Banzim Flower

Basic Information

Anatomy

Growing to the average height of 4 feet, Banzim is one of the taller varieties of flowering grasses. Each stalk grows between 5-7 flexible leaves less than half an inch in width with sticky, feathered edges and one central rigid stem, at the top of which a single flower will bloom. However, a stalk is not the entirety of a Banzim plant. Banzim forms a highly interconnected roots network, known as a Banzirna. A single, uninterrupted Banzirna can cover a square mile of surface, reach an average depth of eight inches, and support a division of nutritional resources between thousands of individual Banzim stalks.
The Banzim flower is a bulbous pod of 21 overlapping petals varying from orange to red which bloom for only a couple of hours following dusk, expelling potentially noxious spores which have a thick and heady aroma.

Ecology and Habitats

Banzim flourishes in warm environments with a great deal of sunlight, frequent rainfall, and rocky soil. Unlike many plants, Banzim responds positively to flooding and is cultivated in the floodplains of several rivers in Harenland--such as the Kuhlai River Valley--for its hardy and accepting nature. Due to its interconnected system of roots, Banzim tends to choke out other grasses and flowers, overtaking entire fields in only a couple of growing seasons. It is recommended to plant Banzim in artificial beds during intentional cultivation (potentially with Fedeka bushes, which grow harmoniously with Banzim), or to "wall off" the planted fields with rock or wood buried at least 10 inches deep.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Although all parts of Banzim are useful in various ways, the reason Banzim is cultivated is due to the medicinal properties of its flower. While toxic in large quantities, the spores emitted by the flower when blooming at dusk are used in religious rituals.

Lifespan

A Banzim stalk lasts between 2-4 growing seasons, flowering only from the second season onwards. A Banzirna can sustain itself for 9-12 years, potentially longer depending on the quality of the soil and frequency of flooding.

Average Height

4 feet