Bomblossoms

"Step lightly, or don’t step at all."

Of all the flora that plague Everwealth and Kibonoji, few demand as much caution as the Bomblossom. At a glance, one might mistake it for an ordinary clover, its small, unassuming leaves blending into the undergrowth. This, of course, is the first and most fatal mistake one can make. Unlike other plants that spread by wind or water, the Bomblossom propagates through violent detonation, scattering its soot-caked seeds across the landscape in a deadly chain reaction. It is not simply a plant—it is a hazard, one that can turn a peaceful glade into a smoldering ruin in seconds.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A Bomblossom’s structure is deceptively simple, its small, circular leaves closely resembling those of its harmless relatives. However, where a clover would bear delicate stems and harmless petals, the Bomblossom’s central bloom swells into a dense, spherical pod, its coloration darkened as if singed at the edges. This pod, the plant’s explosive core, is packed with volatile seed particulates that detonate upon sufficient pressure. A thin, fibrous stalk extends from the pod like a fuse, curling slightly as it dries, an unassuming indicator that the plant is primed for detonation.

Genetics and Reproduction

Unlike conventional plants, which rely on pollination or passive seed dispersal, the Bomblossom spreads through destruction. When detonated, its core scatters hundreds of soot-coated seeds into the surrounding terrain. These seeds germinate rapidly, especially in nutrient-rich ash left in the wake of previous explosions. Within days, new blossoms emerge, ensuring the cycle continues.

Growth Rate & Stages

Seedling Stage: Takes root quickly in disturbed soil, particularly areas rich in carbonized remains.
Maturation: Within a week, the pod swells, becoming primed for detonation.
Reproduction: If triggered, the plant releases a wave of seeds, restarting the process.
Bomblossoms are remarkably resilient. Even when harvested before reaching full maturity, they can remain viable, making them a coveted—if highly dangerous—commodity.

Ecology and Habitats

Bomblossoms thrive in warm, moist climates, favoring mist-laden forests, rocky highlands, and coastal ridges. It is particularly abundant in The Grandgleam Forest, the northern hills, and the rain-drenched eastern regions of the Elflands. Though uncommon near settlements due to active culling, abandoned battlegrounds and ruined villages often see a resurgence, as the disturbed soil and debris provide ideal conditions for regrowth.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Bomblossom, despite its volatile nature, is still a plant at its core. It requires minimal water and sunlight, but its true appetite lies in the aftermath of destruction. It flourishes in soil rich with ash, scorched remains, and the remnants of past devastation. The soot and debris left behind by its own explosions or nearby fires provide the perfect breeding ground for new growth, making the plant both a byproduct and a harbinger of ruin. While incapable of actively consuming its surroundings, it passively draws sustenance from charred earth, nutrient-dense decay, and the disturbed land it so readily reshapes with every detonation.

Biological Cycle

The Bomblossom is not bound by seasonal cycles, growing year-round so long as conditions allow. It flourishes best in areas recently devastated by fire or conflict, taking root amidst the wreckage of war. Its ability to rapidly replace itself ensures that any attempt to clear a field of Bomblossoms is met with new growth in short order.

Behaviour

Bomblossom plants are not sentient, yet its spread is calculated in its devastation. Once a single plant is triggered, any nearby Bomblossoms are likely to follow, creating an expanding zone of destruction that can cover entire fields if left unchecked. In some cases, abandoned roads and pathways have become impassable due to the unchecked proliferation of these plants, forcing travelers to reroute or risk catastrophe.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Bomblossom does not respond to light, water, or touch in the way other flora do. It is triggered by force—any sufficient pressure against its bloom causes a violent reaction. Wind alone can sometimes be enough to set them off, especially in large clusters, where the shockwave of one explosion triggers dozens more in a catastrophic cascade.

Scientific Name

Flora combusta volatilis

Origin/Ancestry

Some scholars argue that it is a purely natural evolution, a defense mechanism refined over centuries. Others suspect alchemical interference—perhaps an experiment that escaped containment long ago.

Conservation Status

Despite its destructive nature, the Bomblossom shares ancestry and similar reverence with its cousin the common clover, both interwoven with numerous Everwealthy stories and iconographies. While its true origins remain uncertain, its presence in both Everwealth and Kibonoji suggests a shared magickal adaptation, likely born from the land’s tumultuous past. Actively culled in populated regions, yet cultivated for its utility in alchemy and warfare. Its ability to spread aggressively makes complete eradication all but impossible.