Wraith-cloak Eucalypt

Alternate names

Spectre tree, Ghostly Crusader

Summary

The Wraith-cloak Eucalypt is a group of closely related plants that have achieved a mystical status amongst both the natives of it's homeland and foreigners, who venture from the East and West alike to see the mysterious trees during the summer months when it's ghostly appearance is at it's most apparent. During the summer the plants thin bark becomes an extremely bright white, and on the summer nights it appears to glow faintly even on moonless nights.

Appearance

These trees are often long and thin (although some broad varieties with stocky bottoms exist in lush terrains) with many twisting, spindly branches forming a leafy crown high above the tree. The first sizeable branches begin some 3-4 metres off of the ground, however some trees have large branches or even secondary trunks that begin as low as its base. Most of the year the trees are an extremely pale brown, however during the summer the tree's bark sloths off to reveal a ghostly white surface that seems to glow faintly in the night.

Description

The Wraith-Cloak grows in rocky and arid environments where few other trees can grow, it's range spanning from the entirety of the Southern Wilderuns, Ca'Vassrun, New Vassrun, Nor'Jagred and the western side of the Carab ranges. The trees grow in rocky outcroppings, dry soil and a few have adapted to wetter soil. These plants are most common in dry or sparse soil where they can easily outcompete other plats and absorb plentiful sunlight from the unblocked sky overhead.

Uses, Relevance and History

The Plant is incredibly useful as it has numerous properties that are useful in the harsh, often rocky regions in which it grows. Almost Every part of the plant is useful. The leaves can be extracted for its sinus-clearing eucalypt scent, the oil can be used to light lamps and make anti-septic oils and the wood is useful for lighting fires and making rain-resistant wood objects and structures. Many of the small shacks that dot the regions where Wraith-Cloak Eucalypts grow are made of it's versatile and durable wood.
However Wraith-cloaks are just as dangerous as they are useful. The loose branches near the crown of dying or parched Eucalypts can easily be severed from the trunk by strong winds, earning such trees the moniker of 'Widow Maker'. In addition to this the plant is filled with a highly flammable oil that can cause the tree to explode when subjected to flames or intense heat.
The plant also has a spiritual significance to numerous cultures. Many natives of the Wilderuns believe them to be the undead spirits of the Astral Crusaders who died in the war against the Titans. Due to their association with death and their location in the Wilderuns most natives of the region believe them to be under the domain of the goddess Raimia, the Lady of Mourning. Due to these beliefs many traditions exist that are based on these associations, including building coffins from the material, burying loved ones under these trees and lighting funeral pyres with the trees wood and oil.

Native Regions

Unknown

Introduced Regions

Unknown

Height

Unknown

Lifespan

Unknown

Growth Rate

Unknown

Optimal soil

Unknown

Optimal Sun

Unknown