Speld
Speld is the most infamous and best known of the dark flora of Carafon.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A low growing shrub, with an array of sharp thorns which propogates via an invasive root system allowing it to spread up the walls of buildings and even across cave roof systems, where if left unchecked, it can form dense thickets of impenetrable woody stems.
Genetics and Reproduction
Speld is stoloniferous, spreading asexually through its aggressive root systems, but it also produces clusters of speld berries which allow for sexual reproduction. This fruit can be harvested from the heart of the gnarliest tangle of speld undergrowth, a somewhat dangerous operation. The red bunches of berries ripen over a period of forty days following the pollination of the tiny black flowers and are at their best when the bushes have been fed at the time of pollination. The struggling of unfortunate prey, serves not only to pollinate the flowers but also to provide nutrient to the plant. The flowers of speld, bloom just after the coldest days of midwinter, their circadian rhythms apparently driven by subtle temperature changes even underground.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Speld has the same adaptive biochemical mechanisms to drive growth which are shared by all the members of the dark flora of Carafon but in additon it has an ability to nourish itself by ingesting the blood of any creature unfortunate enough to suffer the lacerating scratches of its thorns. It is not unique in this respect. Several nasty examples of smaller dark flora can do something similar, but speld is the largest and most dangerous of these types. Not only do the thorns draw blood but they practise a form of hematophagy, injecting a powerful anti-coagulent to increase blood flow, together with other poisons, which disorient the victim. Most encounters between animal and plant are frightening for the involuntary blood donor, but the weakened victim typically escapes before there are fatal consequences. In the wrong circumstances, however, bleeding to death is a real possibilty.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Speld berries are the primary ingredient in a concoction known as speld spice, or more simply within Carafon, just spice. Speld spice is used as a condiment, enhancing the flavour of food. It is a mild euphoric and is also somewhat addictive. It plays an important role in the local Festival of Thyme and Spice but it is also traded far and wide, being an important export for the city.
Conservation Status
Because it can be so dangerous, it is quite likely that speld would have been burnt out of Carafon, were it not for the spice production and the protection of the Church of Hidden Radiance. It is now such an important part of the culture of the city, its dark future seems assured.
Geographic Distribution
Carafon - Dark Flora - Speld by DMFW with Midjourney
Carafon - Dark Fauna - Speld Berries by DMFW with Midjourney
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