Arctic Aruberry
The Arctic Aruberry, otherwise known as Alba Arubus, has a similar appearance to a cranberry, but is actually more closely related to hawthorn. Growing in the frosted northern regions of Altairus, these little red berries make an appearance in many an Altairian dish and medicine.
Aruberries are most known for their unusual effect. When ingested, aruberries are known to increase one's appetite and energy, as well as lower inflammation and anxiety. Its properties were first discovered by the Yule goats, who observed the native fauna of the Razorfrost Taiga consuming these berries and becoming incredibly energetic and ravenous afterwards. Since then, aruberries have been deliberately cultivated by the Yule goats, who have shared their wonders with the rest of the world.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Arctic Aruberry is an evergreen plant with waxy malachite green leaves and twisting, thorned stems. It can grow up to six feet tall and is resistant to burning.
Its fruit grows in clusters at the end of its branches. These small, round berries range from rosy pink to deep rusty red in color when ripe. Each of these berries contains a single seed which is about the size and shape of a whole cumin seed.
Genetics and Reproduction
Aruberry bushes can self-fertilize, but they will most commonly reproduce sexually. Since they grow in the northern regions of Altairus, they do not rely on pollinators and instead release their pollen into the air during the summer months, much like many conifers.
Ecology and Habitats
Arctic Aruberries are exceptionally cold-hardy and fare best in cold areas with a lot of precipitation, such as the Razorfrost Taiga and the Delta Fjord. Being bushy plants, they can live at higher elevations than many trees.
Additional Information
Domestication
Aruberries are cultivated primarily in the Razorfrost Taiga. They make their appearance in many Yule City dishes. Even outside of the Razorfrost region, Altairians of all stripes enjoy products made with aruberries.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Because of their ability to stimulate appetite and reduce inflammation, aruberries and aruberry extract are commonly used in various medicines, including Aruberry Appetite Tea and Ley Potions. These medicines are most often used to relieve anxiety, stimulate appetite, and relieve nausea.
A common alcoholic beverage, Amberjack Cider, is made with fermented aruberries. Fermenting aruberries gives them an additional effect; when the chemicals inside the berries interact with alcohol, they make the imbiber very warm and friendly, prone to bursting into laughter at the slightest provocation. Amberjack Cider is preferred amongst many Altairians because this particular effect makes it far less likely that the imbiber will become mean or angry after ingestion.
Additionally, because of their impressive height, thorny branches, and resistance to burning, aruberry bushes are commonly used as defensive hedges in Yule City.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Aruberries are common all throughout Altairus's northmost and southmost regions, but they are endemic to the continent of Pandora. Yule goats in the Razorfrost Taiga and Yule City have been cultivating them for centuries.
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