Candleflower

The candleflower is a plant growing throughout much of Derkomai. The blooms of the candleflower are about 12 inches (30 cm) long, and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, somewhat resembling the spike flowers of a cattail. However, the blooms of the candleflower come in many colors, purple, blue, pink, yellow, and red, in a huge variety of shades. The blooms grow on a central, reedy spike, and are infused with wax that is quite flammable. When collected and dried, the blooms of most varieties can be used exactly as if it was a candle. Some, though, burn too quickly to be used as candles; however, they are still used for lighting fires or even affixed to an arrow shaft to make a flaming arrow. Making flaming arrows from candleflowers skirts very close to running afoul of the Praxis Illicitus, and the monks of The Vestry of Valamarashe frown on it.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Candleflowers grow in clumps of many long, thin, slightly serrated, knife-edged, deep green leaves. When they are in bloom (which is throughout the summer months), they produce green, tough spikes about 2 feet (60 cm) tall protruding from the center of the plant. The top half of the spike is surrounded by a thick and dense covering of tiny, waxy flowers, even smaller than those of the Wax Rose. As the bloom matures, it becomes saturated in the wax, which then hardens. The hardened wax is quite fragrant and pleasant to smell. Care must be taken when harvesting the blooms, as the sharp leaves can cause nasty cuts to unprotected skin.

Genetics and Reproduction

After the wax-saturated bloom of the candleflower hardens, it becomes very fragrant and is filled with the tiny seeds of the candleflower plant. Many ruminants like to eat the waxy blooms and leaves of the candleflower, spreading the seeds in their droppings as they migrate.

Ecology and Habitats

Candleflowers grow throughout much of Derkomai, but favor temperate, even somewhat cold and dry areas. They are not found in extreme desert or arctic areas. They are very common on The Steppe and in the grasslands and plains of most countries of Derkomai, as far north as the Northern Wastelands, and as far south as southern Rigosland, and in mountainous areas below the tree line.

Additional Information

Domestication

Candleflowers are cultivated in gardens and in farmlands surrounding many villages, towns, and cities of Derkomai. Cultivated candleflowers tend to have more blooms, leaves that are less sharp, and the blooms are more colorful and fragrant. The wax of some especially fragrant varieties is used to make perfume and makeup, but it is not as valued as the fragrance of the Wax Rose.

Candleflowers by Peter Nelson (Zero Sum Games)

Candleflowers growing in a marshy area

Average Height

2 feet (60 cm)