Elal Trees are a type of small tree native to
Epra, however, it has become a popular fruit tree on many other planets.
Appearance
The Elal tree is a small tree that can grow up to 15 to 30 feet, although most are pruned to a more manageable height. They have smooth red-brown bark which when cut or otherwise injured, produces a substance that irritates the skin. The tree has thin spear-shaped leaves that it loses in during the dry season as it is a deciduous tree. The tree gives off a pleasant smell, something used to attract pollinators.
The Elal tree blooms in late spring, growing long orange flowers. These flowers turn into fruit which are filled with seeds, these fruits drop to the ground in fall dispersing the seeds and seeding a new generation. The fruits are oblong, with a soft outer skin and soft seedy flesh on the inside.
The root system of the Elal tree can grow to be two times wider than the space of the tree's canopy, and is quite shallow and fibrous; hence, the tree grows quite well in rocky or poor soils. The trees also grow in full sun and handle it quite well, they can even survive in arid or desert environments.
Use
The Elal tree is commonly grown for its fruit and pretty smell, it is grown on many planets including
Ocarro where its fruit is a popular ingredient.
The fruit is edible and used in a lot of jams and sauces, they may also be dried and eaten as a snack. It is a common ingredient in many dishes, especially in
Tiq'en cuisine, and is often in sweeter dishes. The fruits also produce a sticky sap-like substance which is edible and can be made into syrup but is mostly used in traditional medicines.
An essential oil can be derived from the leaves of the tree, this oil is often used in perfumes and lotions as well as being used in homeopathic medicine. However, it is important to note that this oil is not edible and should not be consumed.
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