Therris willow

Rust-colored trunks grip tightly onto what little dry land exists in the Serodechian Marshes. Gnarled branches stretch out their droopy leaves like many clawed fingers. Yet to the denizens of the marshes, this plant is one of the best resources one can find.

Basic Information

Anatomy

This tree has flaky bark and tough wood. Its roots are tightly bunched around it to avoid very watery spots. The leaves are long and thin with jagged edges and papery feel. They are not deciduous, always losing leaves and growing more. The natural color of the leaves ranges from dark green to mottled yellow. and the bark may vary in color from dark brown to an orange color. The wood itself is yellowy when living, but fades to a grayish color when exposed to the elements.

Genetics and Reproduction

This tree reproduces in two ways. Budding sections of roots and branches that are plucked off the tree while it still lives can grow another tree. Tiny seeds with fluff around them fly across the marshes using the oceanic breezes. These seeds are sent out by male and female trees. As these seeds fall onto different areas, those that find the seeds of the opposite gender clump together and fertilize either in the air or on the surface of the marsh. These seeds are released by buds at the ends of newly grown branches.

Growth Rate & Stages

The fertilized seeds lie dormant until a dry period where the shoot can grow without interference from surging water and rain. Then the seed sends out a shoot and its first few rots. The shoot is at first pale yellow to white in color. As it grows, it darkens. After one to two years of growth, the tree has fuly developed bark. The buds that contain the seeds do not develop until at least five years of growth.

Ecology and Habitats

Thetris willows prefer environments with nitrogen-rich soil with tidal floods and a dry atmosphere. This tree loves sunlight but can grow in relatively close proximity to other large plants, within two feet of the main root structure, though these plants must not shadow the place where the tree sprouts.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Thetris trees prefer nitrogen-rich environments with plenty of sodium and calcium. Their roots will occasionally stretch into watery areas to eek out mineral deposits and decomposing materials.

Biological Cycle

Thetris trees, like all trees, grow in thickens as they grow in age. They can live for up to three thousand years. When the tree at last dies from age or disease, the leaves turn ashy yellow and are brittle even on the tree. No reproductive organs are grown past two thousand years.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

This species of tree is used in wooden structures to reiforce softer but less porous wood. It exuddes a sticky substance which can be collected and used as a chemical irritant for laundry deturgent, a mild adhesive and natural cleaning products. The bark is often scraped off and used as kindling. The leaves can be dried and braided into rope or pressed with mild adheasives to become clothing. Smaller roots are extracted and used as an anti-coagulant.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Natve to the Serodechian coastal marsh, but is cultivated in other areas such as Audrita and Doorne.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

These trees have a sensitive tremor sense which picks up on erosion and footsteps. The plant uses this information to gauge the best times to send out roots. They also use this sense and the ability to sense warnings from other plants in the area to exude a stinky, foul-tasting substance to deter grazers and tree-cutters. The tree produces small seedlets that blow on the oceanic breeze and travel far across the marshes.

Civilization and Culture

History

Thetris trees were origionally discovered by the Cexi, a sapient crocodilian species. They used the leaves as nest material. They also used the sap as a glue. Roani used the bark for kindling when traveling through the area but the wood itself did not become widely used until colonists arrived rom other regions.

Lifespan

2,5060 years

Conservation Status

This species is now highly endangered in its natural habitat. Dredging and cultivation made the salty soil too difficult for the roots to dig through. conservationists and enterprising farmers do their best to repopulate the species in captivity.

Average Height

15-20 ft

Average Weight

500-800lbs