Imeárahon

"The keebs see the imeárahon as a metaphor for themselves. Ancient, flexible, with deep roots and magical sap. I'll do them one better: They spread like a weed, take everything from other species, and they make a fun noise when you cut them down."
Archmage Dulacar, of the Brass Tower

Basic Information

Anatomy

Imeárahon are tall trees that make up or surround most elf kingdoms. The wood is flexible for its size but extremely tough. 'Veins' that max out at a quarter inch carry fluids and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. The action of this movement creates a perceptible 'pulse' if one puts their ears against the tree, a sound that keener-hearing creatures such as elves can hear from several feet away.

Biological Traits

Imeárahon are functionally immortal, and can expect to grow hundreds of feet tall before disease or accident end their ancient lives.

Genetics and Reproduction

Imeárahon produce a bright green and red flower. If an observer has darkvision, the flower appears bright orange streaked through with purple spirals. They produce these flowers constantly throughout the year in a slow wave that progresses from the east to the west. When fertilized, the flowers produce a fibrous, fist-sized fruit that the elves use for weaving. Seeds are scattered throughout this cotton-like material.

Growth Rate & Stages

Imeárahon trees start as a single shoot with a flower, up to a maximum of 6 feet. They persist in this way for years, sometimes centuries, while their roots spread deep into the ground. If the root system encounters the root system of another imeárahon tree, the young one is more often than not absorbed into the larger. If the roots spread far and deep enough to find enough water and resources, the stalk begins growing. The young tree will grow about 1 inch per year up and 1/3 inch per year in diameter. It only stops growing when it runs out of the resources to continue expanding.
The root systems of the imeárahon trees are parasitic; if they encounter another root system they take control of that plant and will alter its growth and function for maximum benefit to the tree.

Ecology and Habitats

Any area where an imeárahon tree is planted will eventually become a forest. They grow best in forests that boast an ancient population of them.

Biological Cycle

Imeárahon trees hibernate one year out of every one hundred. The reason for this is unknown, but when they are asleep, their wood retracts by roughly 20% and becomes nearly unbreakably hard.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Sapling imeárahon are used in spears, staves, bows, and arrow shafts.
The fruit of the Imeárahon is called lanneimeávë is used in the making of most elf clothing, which can be as warm as wool and as smooth and durable as silk.
The trees can be 'reasoned with'. They speak Sylvan, and can be persuaded to grow cavities within themselves for use as living spaces by the Wood Elves. This process takes weeks per cubic foot of space. The most skilled of these tree-shapers can convince the trees to sprout 'branches' at their base for use in weaponmaking instead of saplings.
The sap of the tree is called Coivo Ingóle, and can be eaten or distilled down into a

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Most sentient species destroy imeárahon saplings as soon as they are found. These make good spear or arrow shafts, and their presence can upend the natural order. Elves are the only culture that commonly cultivates and lives among them.

Average Intelligence

Imeárahon are aware of their surroundings. They have at least as much intelligence and awareness as a draft animal.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Imeárahon trees have a blunt tactile sense, and can 'smell' things carried on wind.

Conservation Status

The imeárahon trees are sacred to the elves.