Fireleaf
The fireleaf is a pyrophile flowering plant found in the south and west of the continent of Teldhil. It is prized for it's combustible oil and leaves and the flower is often used in bouquets for its peculiar shape and rarity. Fireleaf honey is famous for its strong and refreshing aroma, as well as the mead it is used to make.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The fireleaf grows one big composite flower. The flower head is composed of a large light blue to white colored convex capitula of hundreds of flowers, themselves containing the reproductive organs of the plant. The corolla is supported by a modified calyx. It is constituted by an alternation of small equilateral triangular sepal-like bracts and six long stem-like peduncles terminated by specialized reproductive organs.
The leaves are alternating and their structure consists of a short petiole with a crescent shaped cross-section upon wich are found alternating small atrophied leaflets, and on the end, a very large, developed lamina. The glabrous blades have a long and wide shape progressively thinning towards their rounded tip accompanied by two small and acute triangular protrusions on either side, pointing slightly away from the top. The venation is actinodromous. They secrete a volatile oil that is very flammable, this is amplified when the leaf dries. The oil contains an extremely reactive catalytic agent that makes it very likely to catch fire. The dried leaves can even spontaneously combust on contact with the air if the circumstances are right (high temperature, very dry air...).
Genetics and Reproduction
The fireleaf has perfect flowers, meaning they have both stamens and a carpel.
Ecology and Habitats
It prefers dry climates and slightly acid soils. It drives other species away from its habitat by spreading fires through the releasing of its volatile oil. It is quite an uncommon occurrence to find one of those flowers even in the most propitious of places and one might consider themself lucky for discovering a specimen.
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Author's Notes
Drawings done by me with paint.