Airbone Spice Blossom
Airbone spice blossoms are vibrant and aromatic flowers that can only be found in the thin air of the sky islands. They have a pungent, spicy fragrance that infuses dishes with a delightful kick of heat. The flower petals are used in spices, sauces, soups, and stews.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The spice blossoms have a sturdy and flexible stem with long, thin, linear leaves that attach all around the stem at multiple heights. The small surface area of the leaves reduces water loss. The leaves have tiny trichomes on their underside, contributing to the overall spiciness. They can cause inflammation on bare skin as they increase skin blood circulation.
The flower buds are compact and tightly wrapped by smaller leaves that hold in the concentrated spice compounds. Once the flowers open, they reveal fragile but resilient petals with serrated edges in a vivid, fiery color. The petals contain microscopic glands that house the potent essential oils responsible for the spicy aroma and flavor.
The roots spread like a carpet over the rocky surface, gripping shallowly into the cracks, nooks, and crannies, anchoring the plant into the ground.
Genetics and Reproduction
Airbone spice blossoms are capable of both self-pollination and cross-pollination.
At the end of the blooming season, seeds with silky appendages will develop on the flower heads that get dispersed with the wind.
Growth Rate & Stages
The life cycle of airbone spice blossoms is firmly tied to the seasonal changes. The plant thrives as the temperature gets warmer and opens up the flower bud in the warmest months of the year, emitting a spicy fragrance within its immediate surroundings. As soon as the temperatures get colder, the blossom goes into seeding. The cycle starts again within the new year, with seeds germinating in rocky soil.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The flower buds are typically harvested right before the flowers fully open to capture the maximum flavor and aroma. They will then either be processed fresh immediately or dried for later usage.
Apart from their culinary uses within the Skyland Harvest cuisine, there are traditional beliefs about its medicinal benefits. Still, the scientific research on their specific medicinal properties is ongoing.
The essential oils present in the blossoms are believed to have digestive benefits. Infusions of the petals or whole flower buds are often consumed as a digestive tonic, especially after hefty meals.
The spicy aroma is said to have respiratory benefits and may help alleviate symptoms of colds or mild discomfort. Steam inhalations of airbone spice blossom extracts are often used as a traditional remedy for clearing sinuses and soothing respiratory passages.
Moreover, the compounds in the flower heads are currently being researched with regard to potential antimicrobial properties when applied topically to wounds as an antiseptic.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Airbone spice blossoms are native and limited to the nebula isles. They typically can be found in areas with rocky soil.
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