Star-Leaf Climber
The star-leaf climber is a small, woody plant that grows on the sheer rocky cliffs of the Half-Mountains, almost exclusively on the side facing into The Sandwell. It is a hardy plant, but slow growing, easily out competed by others in easier soil, and well adapted to the harsh dry winds and poor soil of the mountainous rock.
Its evergreen leaves are small, and grow in groups of 4 around the stiff, short stems, giving the the plant its name.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Its evergreen leaves are small, and grow in groups of four around the stiff, short stems, giving the the plant its distinctive name. It grows in clumps, like a ground over tipped on its side, and its roots and tubers are located deceptively deep into the cliffside. In the spring, it sprouts longer flower spikes in a dull pink, which turn into small seed pods within a few short days.
Genetics and Reproduction
The climber is pollinated by by desert flies and the small beetles that live on the cliffs. It's flower spikes quickly turn to small seeds, feathered with transformed petals, that blow off and are dispersed by the harsh desert winds in the hopes that some will find appropriate crevasses and crags on the cliff face.
Growth Rate & Stages
Star-leaf is a slow growing herb for its size, a full plant not reaching maturity for 18 months. Even in optimum conditions, the growth is still slow, as the plant focuses on building root stores before increased stem and leaf production.
Ecology and Habitats
With deep burrowing roots seeking and storing water, tough stems and the climber is well adapted for its habitat, but little else. It's easily outcompeted anywhere else, with it's poor leaf coverage and slow growth. It's roots go deep into the cliff faces, stabilising the crumbling rock and soil, and keeping the cliffs sheer.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The leaves are used as a flavouring, giving a slightly spicy, savoury flavour, but the plant is used primarily for its malleable, easily stained root and magically permeable root. The root is usually reffered too by its Goblin name Lugwen Tgwen, and the local goblin tribes are the best way to get hold of it. See Lugwen tgwen for more information.
Scientific Name
Thymus Scopuli
Lifespan
25 years +
Geographic Distribution
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