Ash Flower

The Ash Flower is a rare, fast-growing type of plant that only grows in The Glowing Sea. The Children of Atom who reside in the Crater are the only known people to farm this plant, using it to trade for food from the nearby Minuteman settlement of Somerville Place.
The roots, stems, and leaves are inedible, but the blossom itself and the seeds of the plant provide some medicinal uses.
It is hypothesized that the Ash Flower plant may be descended from a type of lily, due to its leaf shape and root structure.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Ash Flower plant is a hardy plant with flexible stems and large leaves. The root systems of the plant are very shallow, so it must grow in places near to water. The blossom is a deep purple with a dark veining and a bright orange pistil and stamen inside it. The leaves and stems are typically a very dark green, often mistaken to be black. The leaves are semi-circular and form a sort of pad that the blossom rests on, similar to lillies.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Ash Flower uses both asexual and sexual forms of reproduction. A single Ash Flower plant can spawn multiple stems and blossoms, similar to ash trees. This is the primary method of reproduction for the domesticated version of the Ash Flower as its blossoms are often harvested prior to seeds being formed.
Wild Ash Flowers do use the asexual reproduction, but also use sexual reproduction as well. Feral Ghouls and other animal life are used as polinators since those animals must wade through the plants to get at the water around where they grow.

Growth Rate & Stages

The plant can grow from seed to blossoming flower in 28-32 days. Additional stems from one plant can produce flowers in as little as 14 days.

Ecology and Habitats

The habitat for this plant is highly radioactive, and such it has developed an ability to filter out the radioactive particles to its surface cells. This process makes the stems, leaves, and roots inedible. However, so much celluar energy is required for this process, that it makes it difficult for the plant to survive in non-irradiated areas, as it will begin to filter out the compounds it needs to survive instead.

Biological Cycle

The Ash Flower is a Diurnal Perennial. Its blossom only opens during the day, and will close at night. During the winter months, the plant becomes dormant, losing its blossoms and resembles flat ground cover.

Additional Information

Domestication

The domesticated version of the Ash Flower has larger blossoms with more nectar to be harvested compared to its wild counterparts.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

• Nectar can be distilled into a topical antiseptic solution.

• Seeds can be crushed and used alongside Fever Blossoms to create a fever reducing tea.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Locations found: The Commonwealth Wasteland, specifically The Glowing Sea.

Lifespan

Unknown

Conservation Status

Endangered Species - habitat is very limited. Some Minutemen researchers and other private scientists have made attempts to grow this plant in non-irradiated areas, but have been unsuccessful.

Average Height

7-12 cm (3-5 in)

Average Length

• Single-stem plant: up to 30cm (12 in) diameter

• Multi-stem plant: up to 2m (6.5 ft) diameter