Fire Grapes

Growing in clusters on vines climbing up cooled lava flows in the Northwestern Continent, Fire Grapes are a bright yellow highlight of anyone wanting a quick snack while hiking through these areas. If they can get over the smell. With deep roots penetrating through the crevices of these flows, the plant takes up sulphur from the depths below in great amounts. While all plants require a certain amount of sulphur, Fire Grapes take up far more, and thrive in the acidic soils of volcanic flows. Excess amounts of sulphur are then deposited within the leaves and the fruit that is eventually produced. It provides a base for the unique flavour and scent of the grapes. While its purpose is to act as a deterrent for most herbivorous species, it finds its place as a delicacy on dinner plates in the region.

Appearance

The vines of the Fire Grape plant grow in and along the crevices of cooled lava flows, appearing as a yellowish green colour, with distinct yellow stripes. The vines of the plant have tendrils, covered in hairs that move forward to grip the rocky surface and slowly climb up rocky walls, or over the surface to find new soil. Once it comes time to flower, these flowers are small stick like protrusions from a main vine. These pale yellow flowers slowly transform into the grape bundles once they are pollinated by various insects. These grapes are large, and bright yellow, usually consumed by birds which fly and spread their seeds to other lava flows.

Taste and Use

Unlike other plants that use sulphur to create their scents, like garlic, the sulphuric scent remains very present in these grapes. Often this convinces both herbivores and people to not give them a chance. Fire Grapes have a sharp, hot flavour when consumed, and are often treated as a savoury component to dishes despite being a fruit. The leaves of the plant can be used to brew a tea the is commonly used to clear the sinuses, with the benefit that a congested person would have a harder time smelling its scent, right up until they actually feel better. These leaves can also be a savoury and spicy addition to a sandwich. Though, it is discouraged to bring said sandwich near anyone. Or be around anyone after having eaten it.