Red Oak Tree

The Red Oak is a beautiful tree that grows in the forest of Bifang and Transway. They are highly sought after as the wood can be used to build the ships of the Royal Navy and merchant ships of Bifang and Dnul.
There is a rumor that a Staff of Royalty has been made from this tree, but its current whereabouts is unknown.
The Red Oak does have magic, but given the nature of the magic it hasn't been identified by anyone except the Nekos who keep the fact as a secret, fearing that if the Elemental Magic was discovered the tree would meet the same fate as that of its cousin The  Black Oak Tree.

Basic Information

Anatomy

This tree has a double trunk and side branch which split into more branches once it reaches 20 metres tall.
The canopy of the tree easily spreads over 20 feet wide.

Genetics and Reproduction

At the age of 10 the tree produces its first acorns which are collected by animals and carried away to other areas of the forests making it widespread.

Growth Rate & Stages

The tree grows at a rate of 0.5 metres a year, meaning it would take 10 years to reach maturity. On reaching maturity it begins to take on the elemental magic, though this is not known to anyone except the Nekos.

Ecology and Habitats

The Red Oak Tree grows in the forests providing habitat for many nesting birds, mammals, insects and reptiles. it is also eaten by caterpillars that grow into moths and butterflies.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sunlight and rich soil, it is a tree that doesn't mind being covered in snow as it tends to use the Elemental Magic in the bark to melt it away.

Biological Cycle

The Red Oak loses its leaves in Autumn and regrow them in Spring along with the catkin flowers. Acorns are produced in Autumn.

Additional Information

Domestication

This tree has been domesticated to grow in the gardens of noble houses but it is tends to be smaller than those grown in the forest.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The wood of this tree is used in ship building.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Found all over the Transway and Bifang forests.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

This tree is extremely aware of elemental factors.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Beetles and caterpillars eat the bark and leaves but in return the moths and butterflies gather nectar and pollen which help the tree to spread.

Lifespan

300 years

Conservation Status

Common.

Average Height

45 metres at its tallest

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The bark of this tree is red, the leaves are rich blood red in Spring and Summer, turning maroon in Autumn. The flowers are catkins that are orange and the acorns are red with a brown cap.