Endoflame
Unique to the Cindersap forest, the Endoflame is an uncommon flowering plant that has evolved to survive the winter months where others would normally wilt and perish. It does so by parasitically rooting into and leeching off of mature trees, using its searing roots to slowly and sparingly burn the wood within the tree, providing itself with just enough warmth to survive the freezing temperatures. Endoflames sprout and mature in the cold, avoiding potential consumers by growing when most herbivores have migrated or hibernated. Additionally, the Endoflame has a layer of added security in the form of it's roots and stamen, both of which are coursing with the same red-hot substance that burns through the anchor tree's wood. This substance superheats the roots and stamen when it burns the wood, deterring creatures from eating the flower or otherwise disturbing it.
Ironically, the heat generating properties of the Endoflame can be exploited and used as a heat-preventative for sunburn and other heat-related illnesses. The settlers and wanderers of the Eastward Desert covet the "Sun-kissed Salve" made from grinding the pistil of the Endoflame with a small amount of animal fat and water, which has a strong shield-like effect when applied to the skin in a relatively thin coating. Anywhere where heat is a threat, this salve is sold as soon as it appears. Dwarven forges, desert outposts, and sweltering mineshafts-- all are regular customers to those crafty enough to make & sell the salve.
Ironically, the heat generating properties of the Endoflame can be exploited and used as a heat-preventative for sunburn and other heat-related illnesses. The settlers and wanderers of the Eastward Desert covet the "Sun-kissed Salve" made from grinding the pistil of the Endoflame with a small amount of animal fat and water, which has a strong shield-like effect when applied to the skin in a relatively thin coating. Anywhere where heat is a threat, this salve is sold as soon as it appears. Dwarven forges, desert outposts, and sweltering mineshafts-- all are regular customers to those crafty enough to make & sell the salve.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A large, woody stem is supported by the thick anchoring roots in the flower's tree. At the top, the thin and shriveled brown petals unfurl from a yellow center, surrounded by thin and scorching hot stamens.
Genetics and Reproduction
The Endoflame spreads it's seeds similarly to the common Sunflower and Dandelion, relying on the winterly winds blowing through the leafless forest to spread it's seeds. These thin and lightweight seeds are coated in a sticky resin created within the flower's stem, which allows it to attach to its anchor tree during the winter and begin to root itself. Endoflame seeds grow in relative peace, avoiding birds and other small omnivores during the winter months as most migrate to the east to stay warm. By the end of the season, the seeds have grown large enough to bear leaves, allowing the new Endoflame to survive off of photosynthesis for the spring and summer.
Ecology and Habitats
Found only within the Cindersap forest and give the forest it's name, Endoflames rely on the forest's trees in order to properly germinate during the fall and winter seasons.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Endoflames require a live tree to survive their initial seedling phase during the winter. The seeds, once lodged into the wood, will sprout and slowly begin to dig it's roots into the base-- burning and forcing their way deep into the bark. Once successfully anchored into the tree, the plant will leech off of the nutrients within it's wood and burn the bark for warmth. This parasitic relationship leaves the tree with scorched, open wounds, while allowing the Endoflame to survive the winter.
The flowers undergo normal photosynthesis year-round, constantly growing even when most other plants would freeze.
The flowers undergo normal photosynthesis year-round, constantly growing even when most other plants would freeze.
Origin/Ancestry
Common Flowers, likely evolved from a wind-dispersal type and parasitic type hybrid.
Conservation Status
Endoflames are mostly regarded as a nuisance by the Cindersap's inhabitants. Come winter their scorching roots are damaging to large creatures, and lethal to smaller ones-- though the difficulty of removing them means not much can be done about it. This combined with its lack of natural consumers ensures that while they are not cultivated in captivity, the continued survival of the Endoflame is all-but guaranteed.
Despite the low-maintenance nature of the Endoflame, attempts to raise it within Esteria have ended miserably. The high desert heat fools the plant's natural instincts, and thus it does not anchor it's roots into wood as it normally would in the wild. The seedlings die of nutrient deficiency and malnutrition, failing to absorb any natural or artificial substitutes. However, one seedling did manage to sprout, but the growing project was promptly abandoned after it's caretaker was burned numerous times by the flowers' leaves and roots. Additionally, the price of shipping snow from the northern areas was too high for the facility's dwindling population.
Despite the low-maintenance nature of the Endoflame, attempts to raise it within Esteria have ended miserably. The high desert heat fools the plant's natural instincts, and thus it does not anchor it's roots into wood as it normally would in the wild. The seedlings die of nutrient deficiency and malnutrition, failing to absorb any natural or artificial substitutes. However, one seedling did manage to sprout, but the growing project was promptly abandoned after it's caretaker was burned numerous times by the flowers' leaves and roots. Additionally, the price of shipping snow from the northern areas was too high for the facility's dwindling population.
Geographic Distribution
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