Watchthorn Tree

The Watchthorn Tree is a significant discovery made by explorers in the New World of Alterra, notable for its menacing appearance and poisonous thorns. The tree is characterized by its dark, gnarled branches covered in long, sharp thorns that can cause severe reactions upon contact. The explorers who first encountered the Watchthorn Tree quickly learned to approach it with caution, as its thorns can deliver a potent toxin that causes intense pain and swelling.

In addition to its dangerous thorns, the Watchthorn Tree has become a subject of interest for its unique ecological role. The tree produces small, bitter fruits that are toxic to most animals but are consumed by certain bird species that have developed immunity to the poison. These birds help disperse the tree's seeds, ensuring the Watchthorn Tree's continued presence in Alterra's forests. The tree's formidable defenses and its place in the local ecosystem make it a fascinating, if perilous, feature of the New World's landscape.

by Dina Milovanov