Sometimes called
be'kaer for short, the plant known as "sun's blade" grows deep in the
Y'dak, where sand dunes give way to cracked, dry earth.
Basic Appearance
Kaer'beka is a tough, thorny plant that shares a shape similar to lotus flowers, with wide, thick leaves that curl up in a bowl around a yellow bulb in the center. The plant's sturdy leaves are a sandy brown in color, with sharp, serrated edges. At night and in heavy storms when the sun's light is blocked, the leaves close up to protect the plant's heart. But when the sun is out, the leave spread out like a fan of blades, giving it its name.
Growth and Habitat
Kaer'beka grows in the dryest, most sunblasted region of the
Y'dak, where it rains only once every few decades. To survive, seeds burrow a single root deep underground to collect moisture and anchor it against the desert's deadly sandstorms. This root can delve as far down as a hundred spans to find water.
Uses
The bulb of a kaer'beka is where the plant stores the small bit of water it needs to survive, in the form of a sweet substance akin to honey. Properly harvested and prepared, this nectar is an ideal balm for burns and can keep a grown man hydrated for days, even in the
Y'dak's extreme heat. Kaer'beka leaves are sharp and sturdy enough to use as weapons, and some of the
kumajai and
na'kumaj risk their lives to harvest them as well as the nectar.
Dangers
As with most things that live in the
Y'dak, the kaer'beka is not without its dangers. The insides of the blade-like leaves are lined with deadly black thorns. One scratch is enough to inflict a dessicating poison on it victim that will cause them to die of thirst in a matter of hours. Though the poison can be cured with relative ease, few who travel far enough into the desert to find kaer'beka waste precious bag space on alchemical machinations.
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