Aulberry bush
A knee-high bush that grows deep lavender berries in the spring and summer months. which are only slightly poisonous, but not dangerous enough to hurt a medium-sized creature if eaten in moderation. They only grow in the Aulberry Wood and are considered a delicacy. They are often fermented into a very popular, though expensive, type of wine. Popular aulberry foods are aulberry pie, aulberry wine, aulberry jam, aulberry muffins, etc.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The aulberry bush is a knee high bush with a bristled stem, with leaves growing outward completely hiding said stem from view and giving the bush a circular shape. The bristled stem is to discourage eating the base of the plant and instead encourages the consumption of its berries. Weaved in between the leaves are small offshoots which grow deep purple aulberries.
Genetics and Reproduction
Aulberries have enough poison in them to kill parasitic insects which feast on their berries without spreading their seeds, but it isn't poisonous enough to kill even the smallest mammal (or bird). Aulberry bushes use animals to spread their seeds far distances by hiding them in the aulberries which the animals will eat and poop out later. This strategy seems to be leftover from some previous stages of its evolution when their particular habitat may have been more widespread, as they are, at present, trapped in a localized area.
Ecology and Habitats
Aulberry bushes are very sensitive to temperature, and can only survive in the very specific climate of the Aulberry Wood. Any further north would be too cold and any further south would be too warm. It is theorized that there is some form of symbiosis between the pine trees of Aulberry Wood and the bush, as when taken to an area of similar climate without the trees, the bushes fail to grow.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Aulberry bushes, like other plants, perform photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The berries which grow on aulberry bushes are used in many delicacies created by the locals of the Aulberry Wood. It is commonly fermented and used in the creation of the incredibly potent aulberry wine, an alcoholic drink only accessible to the high class of the Ruthorian empire.
Geographic Distribution
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