Brambleberry
Brambleberries are a species, or perhaps a family of species, of tough, viney shrubs that grow in temperate areas along the north coast of the Black Dragon Sea, especially in the The Impassable Jungle, the south or Sudland, the Southern Wilds, Koyon, and Nyllamanne. During the summer months, the vines produce small, delicious berries eaten by many animals and also gathered by Humans and Elvirim to eat and for use in baking.
Basic Information
Anatomy
All varieties of brambleberry plants send out long, tough vines covered in razor-sharp spikes. During the spring, the vines produce dozens or hundreds of fragrant and beautiful white, pink, or purple flowers, which later mature into small black, pink, purple, or yellow fruit (berries) of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length and 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in diameter (but size varies quite a lot). Most types of the berries are delicious and nutritious when they are ripe. Young vines are relatively flexible and fibrous; as they mature, then turn woody and tough. Brambleberry plants spread via seeds in the fruit, underground runners, and by new shrubs developing wherever young vines touch fertile soil. The brambleberry plants form thick, dense mounds and thickets that are virtually impassable. The thickets can cover a wide area, sometimes as much half a mile or more (1 km) across. Many varieties of small birds and animals make their nests and burrows within the thickets. Animals feed on the berries and leaves of the brambleberry plants, and some (like goats) even eat the vines. In fact, goats are one of the most effective ways of controlling brambleberries; left unchecked, brambleberries will spread aggressively, eventually choking out most other plants.
Genetics and Reproduction
Brambleberries spread aggressively from seeds found in berries that fall to the ground and in animal droppings, via underground runners coming from the roots, and via new plants springing up wherever vines touch fertile ground.
Ecology and Habitats
Brambleberries grow best in moderate climates with adequate water. They are not found in deserts, swamps, bogs, and marshes, or in extremely cold or hot areas. They do not grow well in sandy soil or in clay, so they are not found on beaches and in areas with clay soil. They also require full sun to grow well, so they are not found (or are much less dense) under the canopies of forests and jungles. Also, the leaves and needles dropped by some kinds of trees contain compounds that suppress the growth of brambleberries.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Most kinds of brambleberries are sweet, delicious, and nutritious. When ripe, they are gathered are used to make jams and jellies, desserts, and pastries. One of the most famous and sought-after desserts is Brambleberry Buckle, first made in Ferrytown by bakers for the Southmarch Rangers from berries gathered in the Southern Wilds. The recipe for Brambleberry Buckle (and many variants) spread with the Rangers all over Sudland. William Baker, proprietor of Bree Bread Bakery is said to make especially delicious Brambleberry Buckle.
The flavor, color, and form of brambleberries varies greatly based on the soil conditions and climate where the brambleberry plants are growing. Some of the berries are nearly black, some pink, purple or blue, and some yellow or gold. All are sweet, but some more than others, and their texture and the size of their seeds also varies.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Brambleberry thickets can be found in most uncultivated areas of Derkomai along the north side of the Black Dragon Sea.
Average Length
Brambleberry vines can reach 20 (6 m) to 30 feet (9 m) long.
Geographic Distribution
Comments