Merrywort
Merrywort is a rare low-lying plant that grows in deep shade in the forests of the Southern Duchy of Dreibach, including the Verlorenwode. Its two consumable byproducts, Djocossóco and Merrywort Leaf, are notable for their near-opposite effects: merrywort leaf is a stimulant that induces quick and buoyant movements when chewed, while djocossóco is a powerful hallucinogen whose effects include time dilation.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Merrywort is a low-lying plant with straight, woody sprigs that grow up to twelve inches tall. Its small, round leaves are a rich green color and grow in a spiral-like pattern. They are fuzzy to the touch.
The fruit of the plant grows between mid-June and late July in clusters atop the plant's branches. When ripe, they are candy-pink and incredibly fragrant, with a scent often compared to vanilla and passionfruit. They grow to roughly 1.5-2" in diameter. The outside skin of the fruit is firm and somewhat fuzzy; the soft "fluff" on the outer plant is its seeds, which spread by brushing off against passing creatures or via the feces of those who consume them. The interior of the fruit is a creamy yellow with a custard-like consistency and a strong, sweet taste.
Biological Cycle
Merrywort is a perennial plant, regrowing from its deep root system around February or March. In late May to early June, it flowers in clusters of round, pale pink, many-petaled blossoms that loosely resemble chrysanthemums in shape. The fruit of the merrywort (the Djocossóco) grows between mid-June and early July. The fruit's extremely tiny seeds are embedded within the skin of the plant and best spread via the feces of the animals that consume it. Merrywort plants typically die back at the first frost and go into hibernation.
Additional Information
Domestication
Despite its desirable byproducts, merrywort is not typically cultivated. The fruits rot quickly and do not transport well, and the seeds are too small and light to easily collect. Merrywort requires very deep, very fertile soil, no direct light, and seems to only thrive near specific kinds of mature trees.
Merrywort in the spring, before it begins to flower.
Geographic Distribution
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