Somnal Root (Som-Nal Root)
Somnal root is a flowering vine that uses it's pollen as a defense against predators. It often grows up the trunks of trees in patches of Ironwood Trees, leaching nutrients from the tree. Animals that would be attracted to the vine as a food source often become a food source themselves for the trees, creating a symbiotic relationship between the Somnal Root and the Tree.
Properties
Material Characteristics
Somnal Root is a vine grown flower with spade shaped leaves. A flower grows off a thick stem with a bulbous receptacle about an inch long. The flower remains tightly closed until sufficient stimulation occurs to the vine. The flower will unwrap into a trumpet shape, releasing a thick yellowish cloud of pollen. The interior of the flower contains a single style topped with a stygma. Filaments and anther bud off of the style in short thick clusters, giving the style the appearance of a startled cat's tail.
Compounds
Somnal Root petals and pollen is used in several poultices to calm berserkers or aid in sleep.
Geology & Geography
The Somnal Root can be found spread across Berdea - The New World, but is primarily found in the forests and jungles of Berdea.
History & Usage
Everyday use
Somnal root is used primarily by the tribal inhabitants of Berdea as a means to calm the feral side of the Fayus folk. It is prepared by a shaman of each tribe to the proper proportions, as it can easily be used as a drug or cause death.
Cultural Significance and Usage
Shaman apprentices mix Somnal Paste and Dust as a rite of passage. They are tested on wild animals so as not to risk the tribe. Once they are able to produce the substance consistently, they are considered to be a true shaman and able to perform their job duties unsupervised.
Refinement
The pollen must be mixed with the proper amounts of ground dusts of other plants in order to temper the effects. Failure to do so may lead to the patient not getting enough of the pollen to calm them from a berserker state or too much, sending them into a deep sleep.
The petals are ground into a fine paste and can be added with other ingredients to make it more palatable to a patient depending upon their individual tastes. It is much harder to overdose a patient on the paste but too little can leave them in a drug dazed state rather than help them sleep.
Hazards
Addiction and inability to sleep naturally often comes with overuse of the paste.
Reusability & Recycling
Fully stripped vines can be used to make rope and other fibrous materials. Leaves can be ground down and used to make paper like material or eaten/fed to livestock
Type
Organic
Rarity
Uncommon
Odor
Floral
Taste
Sweet
Color
Mid Green leaves, light green vines, bright orange flowers with brown or darker orange freckling
Related Locations
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