Kekawa
Kekawa is a relatively common semi-evergreen, perennial vine fruit that grows best in lakes or very slow-moving bends of rivers; all parts of the plant are edible and feature in many cuisines throughout Icalar. Its aqueous groundcover-like habit also supports the ideal spawning habitat for many fish, amphibians, and insects, and in this manner the plant has long been associated with rebirth. Its beautiful flowers often appear in art. Due to its thick, carpeting habit, it can create a choking effect on its water source if left unchecked, though this is quite rare.
Though research is in its preliminary stages, it appears as though a smaller, non-vine subspecies exists on drier riverbanks and on the backs of avalae .
Basic Information
Anatomy
Crown of a single plant sprouts 5-6 tough vines which in turn sprout floating five-node leaf pads and separate flower stems. As fruit ripens in the Season of Ripening, the vine will sink farther underwater and remain happily so until the following Season of Opening in a sort of hibernation. Each vine, depending on age, can produce up to ten fist-sized, oblong fruit.
Many individuals together create thick carpets.
Biological Traits
Leaves (5-10") are glossy dark green with red variegation. Circular flowers (3-6" diameter) come in a variety of solid or two-tone colors, and consist of two layers of blousy petals in a 'cup' of large, bright green sepals that help it float, with a cluster of yellow-orange anthers in the center. Fruit begins as pale green, small eggs and ripen to fist-sized oblongs of pale green coloring with darker marbling; the inner flesh is also pale green, nearly white.
Ecology and Habitats
Prefers well-lit still waters.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Leaves are often eaten raw in salads; roots can be dried and ground to use like ginger. Flower petals can also be used in salads or, at great expense, crystalized in grinidar for decoration or as candy. The fruit can be eaten raw -- it has a mild, sweet, citrusy taste -- or dried, and is often fermented into kekawa wine.
Roots and fruit are often also pressed to extract an essential oil that is commonly used in beauty products and scents; notably, it is one of the anointing oils of the hetul'n'gosh used by Shepherds of Leaving due to its strong preservative properties.
Civilization and Culture
Common Myths and Legends
The Kekawa Blossom is an easily-recognizable constellation.
Comments