Saltbloom

Saltbloom, sometimes also called Cliffcreep, is a common plant found across coastal Vilstrung.   Saltbloom is a creeping vine that can be found growing in thick shrubs along poor, rocky soil -- most commonly the side of a cliff or rock. They typically grow on vertical surface and have long, net-like roots that create vast, tight networks to firmly anchor them in place. Their leaves are often covered in a thick, salty residue that creates a crystalline sheen.

Anatomy

Saltbloom gets its name from both its taste and the flowers that eventually blossom along the creeping, spiny stalks that snake across the cliffsides. These flowers form thick pods that eventually blossom out into four petalled flowers, ejecting a briny spore that spreads them down the length of the rocky surface they take root in.   The high salinity of their spores effectively sterelizes other plants from taking root in their niche; however, their roots are susceptible to rot and are easy to damage from excess water.   The bristles lining the branches of saltbroom are fibrous and designed to catch, filter, and siphon water from the air rather than from the ground; this is a unique adaptation that allows them to pick up droplets of water from the dense fog that shadows Vilstrung, especially in the western coast.

Common Uses

Saltbloom holds a variety of uses and is actually a popular plant amongst Villish culture. It isn't too uncommon for people to make a profession out of climbing cliffsides for the sole sake of harvesting the salty flowers from the cliffside. Due to the unique environment they've adapted to, growing Saltbloom at home is exceptionally difficult at home without specialised methods.

Culinary

The leaves and stalks harden too much to efficiently be eaten, but the flowers are uniquely edible. The blossoming flowers are actually a very popular part of Villish cuisine; and are able to be dried, crushed, and ground for a salty substitute.  

Alchemical Uses

While popular as a food, Saltbloom shines the most when used in Alchemy.   It's a solid disinfectent that can sometimes be used alongside Health Potions to help mend infections.   Saltbloom is an important precursor to Dry Bombs.