Aigerwell (EYE-gerr-WELL)

Aigerwells are large deciduous hardwood trees common to mountainous regions such as Iyr. Due to their preference for rocky, well-drained soil and their tendency to root in crevices, the subsequent erosion and erosion-prevention they can cause has led to their nickname of "shaper trees". Individual aigerwells have been among the largest trees recorded.
As well as its naturally twisting growth habit providing ample shelter for other species, it produces bountiful crops of nuts in both the Season of Opening and the Season of Waiting.

Basic Information

Anatomy

They grow into large specimens of twenty-five to thirty-five feet tall with a crown of fifteen to twenty feet, and their root systems are remarkably strong and deep. Both roots and branches are knotty. Its outer bark is comparatively thin, instead relying on a middle layer of noticeably softer wood covering the hardwood within.
Groves are not common.

Biological Traits

Their bark is greenish-white with dark, straight, vertical cracks. Its leaves are squat, tooth-edged ovals that come to a short point, and light green in color. Aigerwell nuts are around 1cm in diameter and consist of a dull-spiked, dark brown outer shell and a pinkish-brown inner kernel suspended in translucent oil.

Ecology and Habitats

Prefers well-drained rocky terrain with a high mineral content, particularly potassium found in bedrocks.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The inner hardwood is valuable as a building material. Both the nuts and the nut-oil are consumed, and a reddish-brown dye can be made from the inner nut kernels. The oil is known as aiger oil.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Rocky areas of Ustraria, western Kiva, Iyr, and the Creqira

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Mistowls are particularly fond of aigerwells for nesting and for their nuts.

Lifespan

80+ Years

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Height

30ft

Geographic Distribution

• Icalar