Flamecrown
Legends say that the Flamecrown plant draws magma up from deep within the earth and stores it in its petals. If many Flamecrowns bloom, it means that magma is building up below the island, and an eruption is imminent, so they say. Of course, a plant's roots reaching all the way down to magma is considered an impossibility, and yet time and again the flowers bloom in large numbers in the weeks leading up to an eruption. The reason for this may never be known, but the Flamecrown remains a valuable indicator for Droden's volcano monitors and Emergency Response force.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Flamecrown is a herbaceous plant, with numerous stems emerging from a single point. It has many long, thin leaves, and each stem supports two or three buds. Most of the plant is a dull, dim green, but the flowers have a red-orange colouration reminiscent of lava, and often form a circle, the pattern which gives the Flamecrown its name.
Genetics and Reproduction
Despite many years of study, the method by which Flamecrowns reproduce has never been found. The most common theory is that in addition to roots, the plants grow runners underground, which spawn a new plant before crumbling. It is almost certainly true that Flamecrowns react in some way to approaching volcanic activity, which seems to prompt the plants to grow and flower in much greater numbers than usual.
Ecology and Habitats
Flamecrowns grow in the volcanic soil across all of Droden's islands, but are more prominent on those that have frequent eruptions. They require little water and grow rapidly, though not all bloom. It seems as though the plant is not suited to cold or damp conditions, as every attempt to take one outside Droden has died after a few days at sea.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
In addition to serving as an early warning sign of volcanic activity, Flamecrown petals can be turned into dyes the colour of lava, which is frequently use by Droden artists. The plant's roots are fairly robust, and were a long time ago used to make baskets and woven boxes, though since then many metals have been discovered that serve that purpose much better.
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