Aife (EYE-FUH)
Aife (singular and plural) are a relatively uncommon semi-deciduous tree found in swamps, marshes, and occasionally along other still bodies of water and (rarely) particularly slow-moving parts of rivers. They rely on particular soil conditions and the presence of certain algae to enrich the water they drink; the better their growing conditions, the more majestic their shape for which they're admired. They are sometimes called cloister trees due to their shape, especially together.
They are descended from telwillows and thus related to riverhands; it is speculated that they evolved from specimens frequently exposed to dry spells that adapted to absorb nutrients from other sources.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Given ideal or near-ideal growing conditions, they are a very architectural tree even when young: strong buttress-like root systems support a single trunk that then splits again twelve to fifteen feet up into several outward-curving branches. The trees have a habit of meshing together, creating cloister-like walls, to enable more moisture absorption.
Biological Traits
Their bark is ash-gray with ochre horizontal striations; with advanced age, dark gray to black curved ridges appear. It has two types of leaves: long dark green needles that emerge in the Season of Closing and persist through the Season of Waiting to help the tree retain water, which then fall gradually during the Season of Opening; and upright clusters of broad, fuzzy, lighter green, four-pronged leaves with a distinct slight curl that helps them collect and absorb airborne water from the Season of Opening through the Season of Ripening.
Genetics and Reproduction
The species is notable for its prolific yellow-orange pollen that arrives on a multitude of clustered tassels very early in the Season of Opening. It also occasionally reproduces via 'knees' connected to its nearby main root system.
Ecology and Habitats
Constant moisture for its root system at a minimum is a must, but it will additionally flourish if its crown is also in a humid environment.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Its pollen can be used in ink but resists attempts to meld it with a staying-agent; as a result, often given to children or novices for practice writings/drawings, since it can be easily wiped away with water.
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