'Iliahi
The 'iliahi is a type of sandalwood tree that only grows on Mo'olelo. It is not found anywhere else in the world, and today, the tree is very rare due to overharvesting. The 'iliahi were overharvested because the tree is prized for its wood. The wood was often used to make incense. The middle of the 'iliahi, also known as the heartwood, is used to make 'iliahi oil. The 'iliahi oil is especially valuable, as it can be used in healing, alchemy or spellcasting. Because of the overharvesting, and now the protection of the Ecological Society, there isn't a major 'iliahi industry like there used to be. The overharvesting of the 'iliahi ended up hurting the world and the people of Mo'olelo in the long run.
Basic Information
Ecology and Habitats
An interesting aspect of the 'iliahi is that, as a young plant, its roots need to graft onto the roots of another plant. The process is called haustoria, where the roots of the 'iliahi take nourishment from the roots of the other plant. Although this seems parasitic, the Ecological Society has found the relationship to be mutually beneficial for the ecosystem. The 'iliahi keeps the host plants in check, so they don't take over the ecosystem and allow other plants to compete and increase diversification. The 'iliahi is also a flowering plant, so it attracts pollinators who can help the host plants reproduce by pollinating them as well.
Origin/Ancestry
Oleloan
Conservation Status
Yes, members of the Ecological Society are working to restore the 'iliahi, much like how they are working to protect and preserve the Lush and Fertile Rainforests. The overharvesting of the 'iliahi destroyed many of their groves. There are only a few groves left in the mountains of the Red Island and the Pink Island.
The groves left are in large part due to the efforts of a male human named Miles Imbert. Imbert, one night in a dream, was asked by the Gray Island to come and pick the seeds of the iliahi. The Gray Island told Imbert to plant those seeds so that future generations could enjoy them. Imbert listened and did just that, starting some of the groves that are now under the protection of the Ecological Society.
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