Bovine Cactus

One of the most commonly grown crops on the planet, bovine cactus is a large barrel cactus with brightly colored skin and flowers. It varies in color depending on where that variety of cacti was grown. One thing that remains the same throughout the species of cacti is the splotchy patches resembling a cow's hide.    The large shape of the cactus and its dense flesh makes it a stable crop for most civilizations. The flesh is dense enough that it can be sliced and fried like steak, creating a meat alternative that is packed with nutrients but cooking the flesh burns away much of the magical energy. Cultivating farm animals is incredibly taxing on food, water, and space, so most civilizations are nearly completely vegetarian.    The fruit of the cactus resembles a bundle of small pineapples. After being dried and distilled, the juice of the fruits can be used as a way to restore magic and heal the body.   The spines can be used for a variety of useful magical spells, or used as needles for sowing. The recent invention of firearms has seen a new use for the remarkably strong needles: as arcane-infused shotgun ammo.   The thick hide of the cactus can be used to make strong leather that is more resistant to solar magic than other materials.   Without this plant, society in Ulaan couldn't sustain itself. Because of its necessity and seemingly divine design, there is a small but very vocal cult calling itself "The Church of the One True Gourd and Savior". These fanatics believe that a cow god created magical fruits and vegetables after The War That Burned, and that only through veganism and self loathing can they achieve eternal peace.