Appearance and Survival
The alard tree is a relatively short tree, usually only reaching about 10 ft. in height. It has long, fingerlike fuzzy leaves which are mildly poisonous. This poison is enough to kill most insects, which will die, providing the soil with nutrients necessary for the tree. The poison is not strong enough to harm larger animals however, though it does make the leaves unpleasant to taste. In contrast, it produces sweet smelling pollen. The tree is famously able to grow in a variety of climates, including places with low rain, high heat, and poor soil. This is why it now the main species of plant found in
Wunucc.
Uses
People have found uses for almost every part of the Alard tree. Because the leaves are poisonous to insects, they can be boiled into a pesticide that kills most biting insects, but remains harmless to larger animals, including humans and their pets. Though it is most commonly used by farmers, it is also used in some areas as a bug spray. This pesticide has additionally been found to be effective against certain funguses.
The bark of the Alard tree can also be used as antiseptic when broken down, as well as an anti-inflammatory, and the Allabasi people are known to chew it as a remedy to a variety of ailments, as well as general oral health. The bark also makes exceptionally good firewood, though it is best harvested in winter, as the alard tree pollinates in the late summer by releasing so much pollen it can sometimes be seen in the air. This is a common allergen for many people, making summers near alard trees difficult experience. Nevertheless, its sweet smelling flowers are occasionally distilled into a perfume. Perfume makers insist it is allergen free, as it no longer retains traced of pollen, but demand remains low.
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