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Thunder Flower (Thun-Dher-Flau-er)

The Thunderflower is a rare plant species found in the region surrounding Thunderhead Peak. It can only grow in areas where lightning strikes have occurred, making it relatively scarce in the wild. However, it has been discovered that the plant can also be kept alive using other methods of electricity production, such as spells or water wheels. The Thunderflower is known for its ability to store electrical charges as a defense mechanism, and for its symbiotic relationship with the Sparkwood Oak, a tree that generates electricity. According to local myths and legends, the Thunderflower is said to have powerful magical properties and is sought after by practitioners of magic. Its unique qualities have led to its use as a lightning rod in the city of Wilderidge, located on Thunderhead Peak. Despite its scarcity, the Thunderflower remains a fascinating and highly sought-after plant species.

Basic Information

Anatomy

the Thunderflower has a slender stem that can grow up to 15 feet in height. Its leaves are lance-shaped, with pointed tips, and they are arranged in an alternating pattern along the stem. The leaves are a dark green color and have a slightly glossy appearance.   The Thunderflower's most distinctive feature is its large, bell-shaped flowers that bloom at the end of the stem. The flowers are a vibrant shade of electric blue, with white streaks and spots, and can measure up to 5 feet in diameter. The petals are slightly wavy and have a delicate, almost translucent texture. At the center of the flower is a cluster of stamens that are a bright yellow color, surrounded by a ring of tiny, star-shaped structures that form the stigma.

Biological Traits

the Thunderflower has long, thick roots that allow it to absorb nutrients from deep within the soil.   It has developed an extraordinary ability to store and release electric charges. This is believed to be a defense mechanism that protects the plant from predators that may attempt to eat it.   When a predator comes into contact with the Thunderflower, the plant releases an electric charge that can stun or even kill the attacker.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Thunderflower is an angiosperm with a bright electric blue and white flower, reminiscent of lightning bolts. The Thunderflower requires a very specific environment to grow, as it can only germinate in areas where lightning has struck, and it thrives in the fulgurite rich soils that are created by the electrical discharge.

Growth Rate & Stages

The Thunderflower has a slow growth rate, taking several years to reach maturity. It has three main stages of growth: seedling, juvenile, and adult.   Seedling: The Thunderflower begins its life as a tiny seedling that sprouts from the ashes of a lightning strike. At this stage, the plant is extremely vulnerable and requires ample moisture and nutrients to survive.   Juvenile: As the thunderflower continues to grow, it enters the juvenile stage. During this phase, the plant develops its roots and begins to grow leaves and stem. It is still relatively fragile and requires ideal growing conditions to thrive.   Adult: Once the thunderflower reaches maturity, it can produce stunning blooms that are sought after by many. The plant has a woody stem and produces long, pointed leaves. Its flowers are typically a vibrant purple or blue, and they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.   One of the most remarkable features of the Thunderflower is its relationship with lightning. While it can grow and reproduce through pollination like most other plants, it has been observed that if it is struck by lightning, its growth rate accelerates dramatically. This has led some to speculate that the Thunderflower may have evolved to take advantage of the frequent lightning strikes in the area.

Ecology and Habitats

The Thunderflower is found exclusively on the upper half of Thunderhead Peak. It requires a very specific habitat to grow and can only thrive in areas that have been struck by lightning. This is because the plant absorbs energy from the lightning strike, which stimulates its growth rate and enhances its ability to draw nutrients from the soil.

Behaviour

The people of Wilderidge, a small city located near the top of Thunderhead Peak, have, over time, discovered that the plant can be used as a natural lightning rod to protect their buildings and homes from the destructive power of frequent lightning strikes in the regieon.   To harness the power of the Thunderflower, the people of Wilderidge have planted it in strategic locations around the town, particularly on the rooftops of tall buildings. When lightning strikes, the Thunderflower absorbs the energy of the strike, growing rapidly and releasing excess energy back into the ground, dissapating the electrical charge and preventing it from causing damage to buildings and structures.   In addition to its practical use as a lightning rod, the Thunderflower is also highly valued for its ornamental qualities. The plant's striking appearance makes it a popular addition to gardens and parks in the region, and its ability to grow quickly after lightning strikes has made it a symbol of resilience and vitality among the people of Wilderidge.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

One of its most important uses is as a source of energy. Due to its ability to store electric charges, the Thunderflower can be used as a battery, providing a sustainable and renewable energy source. The flowers are often harvested and their electric charges extracted for use in various devices and machinery.   In addition, the Thunderflower has been used in traditional medicine for its supposed healing properties. The flower's extracts are said to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and have been used to treat various ailments.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Thunderflower's natural distribution is limited to the region surrounding Thunderhead Peak, as it can only grow in areas where lightning strikes have occurred. As a result, the Thunderflower is a relatively rare plant and can only be found in the immediate vicinity of the mountain. However, there are some methods to keep the plant alive outside of this area. One of these is through the use of other methods of electricity production, such as spells or water wheels. Another factor that allows the Thunderflower to be planted outside of the Thunderhead Peak area is the Sparkwood Oak, a tree that generates electricity. This tree provides a steady source of energy for the Thunderflower and in turn, the Sparkwood Oak is able to collect the excess electricity passed into the ground by the flower to help it grow. With these methods, the Thunderflower can be kept alive in areas where lightning strikes are infrequent or even nonexistent.   Despite the ability to sustain them through alternative means, the growth and vitality of thunderflowers are optimal when they are grown in their natural habitat, or within the vicinity of a Sparkwood Oak only growing to around 3 feet outside of thunderhead peak.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

The Sparkwood Oak, a tree that generates electricity, provides a steady source of energy for the Thunderflower. In turn, the Sparkwood Oak is able to collect the excess electricity passed into the ground by the flower.   The Electricibees, on the other hand, are a species of bee that feed on the nectar of the Thunderflower. The Thunderflower produces a unique nectar that is highly attractive to the Electricibees and provides them with the energy they need to fly and produce honey. The Electricibees, in turn, help to pollinate the Thunderflower, ensuring its continued survival.

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

it is believed that the flower is a gift from the gods, and that it holds great power and significance. Some myths suggest that the Thunderflower is a symbol of strength, resilience, and endurance, and that it can bring good luck and fortune to those who possess it.   It is also believed to have magical properties, and is often associated with thunderstorms, lightning, and other natural phenomena. Some legends suggest that the flower can only be found by those who possess great courage and determination, and that it has the power to grant wishes and make dreams come true.
Scientific Name
Fulguriflora
Lifespan
300-400 years
Conservation Status
The conservation status of the Thunderflower is listed as "vulnerable." Due to its unique habitat requirements and reliance on specific pollinators, any disruption to its ecosystem could have a significant impact on its population. Efforts are being made to monitor and protect Thunderflower populations, including habitat restoration and conservation education programs.
Average Height
6-15 feet
Average Weight
50-100 Lbs
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The Thunderflower has bright electric blue petals with faint streaks of purple and white. The center of the flower is a bright yellow, resembling a small bolt of lightning. The stem of the plant is a dark shade of green with a slightly rough texture, allowing it to withstand strong winds and inclement weather. The leaves are a lighter shade of green and have a pointed shape, resembling small spears.
Geographic Distribution

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