Tɥom Zum Yoru Plant (tweeom zum yoru)

The most beloved of plants to the Tilgish, this species' name translates to Water of Life. The locals often just shorten the name to Tɥom, since beyond the waters of Loch of Nishlath Ban the plant is a major source of water. On the dessert planet of Ziln water is a scarse commodity, so anything that gives water is sacred.

Anatomy

Comparing the plant with Earth varieties, it’s like a cross between an aloe and an agave. The skin of the long, barbed leaves is too tough to eat. But when you strip the outer covering, the inside pulp is jellylike, and sweet. It not only contains a lot of water, but is full of much needed vitamins. The leaves connect to a squat central stump that has deep fibrous, roots.

Uses

Culinary

The Tilgish rarely eat the pulp straight, unless they're in danger of dehydration. Instead, a leaf is harvested and savored throughout the day by peeling back a bit of the leaf's skin, slurping a bit of pulp, and re-closing the leaf as best they can so no moisture escapes.

by Freepik

As one of the few sweeteners on the decimated planet, it's used along with various salts to flavor the otherwise bland foods for the Tilgish.
The leaves are the best part to eat. But the stump the leaves grow on and the roots can be ground, dried, and used as flour. The roots make the best flour. They feed the ground pulp from the stump to their animals.

Food Preservation

When the Tilgish must travel beyond the valley of Nishlath Ban, they harvest leaves, encase the food in the pulp, and wrap it up in the leaf's skin.

Traditions

Along with water from the Loch of Nishlath Ban, each married couple receives a set of six seedlings to start their garden. The couple nurtures them as they would their marriage. A prosperous patch of Tɥom is considered a sign of a good match and the couple's likelyhood of having children. The plants are reminders of their bond and the love of the community.

by aopsan

Reproduction

Via cuttings or less often via seed. The seeds need much water and tending. Cuttings are easier to propagate.

Growth rate

Fast in the young stages. Due to toughening of the plant's skin, the growth slows considerably when it's older and goes to seed. It's best to eat the young plants.

Ecology/Habitat

The harsh, sun blasted desert valley of Nishlath Ban (the last livable place on planet Ziln).

Conservation Status

Endangered before the Tilgish discovered it as a food source. They've brought it back from near extinction to a common garden plant.

Geographic Distribution

Nishlath Ban