Aylani

A Gift From a Goddess

The Goddess of Rebirth was so touched by the way the esseni of Kitain celebrated the spring and rebirth of their nation, that she blessed them with a fruiting bush. These bushes, known as Aylani, are native to Kitain, and the fruits they produce are said to taste of the Goddess's joy.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Aylani is a fruit-bearing bush that grows to approximately three feet wide and four feet tall. The leaves are elongated with a lightly ruffled edge, and a color gradient from darker green to yellow at the center of the leaf. New leaf growth is continuous, allowing for cultivation of the leaves during the ayalni's brief season of approximately two months.
The flower of the aylani is a clustered, elongated flower. Flowers range from pale pink to a golden yellow in color. Color appears to be random.
The fruit of the aylani is approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, and is a bright, iridescent purple with silvery flecks.

Genetics and Reproduction

Aylani reproduces via the seeds of the fruit. These seeds are either dispersed via birds or deliberate planting by esseni.

Growth Rate & Stages

For most of the year, the aylani bush is mostly leafless. The woody stems and branches are often adorned with the cocoons of the Kitainese silkweaver moths, causing them to be decorative and highly noticeable even in the summer, fall and winter.
In the spring, the plants begin to bud and regrow. Once the eastern half of the country is inundated during the first rains, aylani grows quickly, flowering and then fruiting within the span of a few weeks.

Ecology and Habitats

Aylani is endemic to the western half of Kitain, specifically in the areas of the country that become inundated in the spring rains. Attempts to grow the plant in captivity or other locations have been unsuccessful. This is likely due to the fact that the plant was cultivated specifically by a Goddess.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Aylani leaves are used to feed domesticated Kitainese Silkweaver moths, as it is the only leaf that gives the silkweaver the magic necessary to create Kitainese Silk.
Aylani fruit is a potent fruit that is known for causing euphoria, as well as its uses as an aphrodisiac. The fruit is mostly consumed in many forms during the annual Ashlina Festival of Rebirth, where esseni and dragons from all walks of life attempt to catch a taste of the Goddess's joy.
Outside of the festival, fruit is also dried or turned into wine. The drying process removes the aphrodisiac effect, but the dried fruits still produce a feeling of euphoria. Dried aylani is consumed for both medicinal and recreational use. Aylani wine is also thought to be a delicacy, though it is more potent than most other alcohols.

Average Height

3.5-4.2 feet