Qelb Tree

Heart Tree

Sunfall    Animals, Plants and Diseases    Plants      Qelb Tree

There are romantics who like to think that the souls of the fallen live in the tree, with a new heart to keep them going. They die once more when the tree dies, although more seeds go forth to let others be reborn anew.

— An academic at the Asdini College giving a lecture on the Qelb Tree

The Qelb Tree, more commonly known as the Heart Tree, is a species of small tree found traditionally within the deserts of Kalarah. The species has now been cultivated in most southern regions of the known world. The Qelb Tree's leaves have a slight citrus taste and can be used for culinary pursuits. The fruit of the tree, called Heart Fruits, are exceptionally difficult to extract without killing the tree and are highly prized for their use in fragrances.

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Etymology

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The seeds, grown within the 'heart' of the tree, are where the Qelb Tree derives its name. The belief that the fruits within the tree also sustain it has given rise to the name too. It has been proven that excising the fruits from within the tree is fatal, not the presence or lack of the fruits themselves.

Description

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The Qelb Tree is an evergreen tree native to the southern portions of the known world. It is short and squat, rarely exceeding 10-12m (33-39ft) in height. It is rumoured that there are some older Qelb Trees, deep in the Dasht-e Bas, that grow to over 20m (65ft) in height although this has not been confirmed. The trunk is thick, gnarled and twisted. Buried inside the trunk are the Heart Fruits, which grow over the centuries until they mature.

The fruits are oval-shaped and roughly 6.5cm (2.5 inches) across, weighing 200 grams in weight. Without a firm exterior, the fruits are spongy and are held in shape by the wood within the tree. The colour of the fruit changes based on how well hydrated the tree is and how long the fruit has gestated. The younger fruits are light green and the older seeds are dark, deep red. Regardless of age, the fruits have a light fragrant taste and can be used in the production of perfumes. Qelb Perfume is exceptionally expensive, and sought after, as the fruits cannot safely be extracted until the tree has expired so supply is limited.

^{A variety of younger and older Heart Fruits.}

The leaves of the tree are deep green and oblong, roughly 2-8cm (0.7-3.1 inches) long. In drier climates, or those going through a drought, the leaves can turn light green or even yellow. This change is not permanent and access to water can cause the leaves to revert to their original colour. Regardless of the colour, the leaves hold a slight citrus taste and fragrance and can be used in the culinary arts.

Distribution

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Qelb Trees can be found in most parts of the southern hemisphere, predominately on the mainland as their seeds cannot travel long distances to the islands off the coast. As particularly stern plants, the trees can be found in nearly all climates although are found in larger numbers in and around the Dasht-e Bas.

Ecology

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The trees are fond of rugged terrain, particularly rocky slopes and crags. Whilst they can grow in all soil types, they prefer lighter soils and sunny positions without shade. Those with access to these conditions grow the best fruits. Designed to handle drought well, Qelb Trees can handle prolonged periods without rain or water access and can recover without any material harm.

You can always find good views next to a Heart Tree, the best part of the job!

— An orchard worker talking about their job

Names

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In academic circles, the Qelb Tree is the most accepted name although the general populace refers to the tree as the Heart Tree. In more rural areas, the trees have also been called Spirit Trees due to the belief that the departed can sometimes inhabit the tree, sharing their heart with fruit held within the tree. To these communities, the trees are sacred and chopping them down or attempting to harvest the fruit is tantamount to desecrating the souls of ancestors.

Uses

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Primarily grown for their fruits, Qelb Trees are prized for the perfume that their fruit can make once boiled and drained of sediment. With citrus top notes, followed by a deep aromatic heart noted, typically described as resembling ripe grapefruit. The older and darker coloured fruits offer better fragrances and are highly sought after. Once the trees reach maturation and expire, the back softens allowing insects and birds to reach the fruits to spread the seeds. As the fruits break down rapidly, the window to collect the fruits is short and the trees are monitored day and night during the last months of their life.

Straight from the vast and mysterious Dasht-e Bas, take a breath and enjoy that juicy grapefruit. Delicious and stunning, like the lady herself if I may say so myself.

— A perfume merchant plying his wares

Outside of their perfume usage, the leaves of the tree have a citrus taste and can be used to accent dishes with additional flavours or scents. The wood of the tree is also used in the production of high-end furniture or can be burned in religious ceremonies. Those wishing to chop down the tree for timber must accept that the fruits will sour and die, becoming useless.

Qelb Tree

Heart Tree

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Population

Unknown

Longevity

Up to 60 years

Diet

Photosynthesis

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Range

The known range of Qelb Trees