Purple Wriath-fruit
Purple Wriath-fruit has a hard and scaly exterior that gives way to violet meat-like flesh. It is a common sight in the Bazaar
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Wraith-fruit has a dermis with neatly arranged scaled
the inside is comprised of a violet creamy flesh with suspended seeds coated with a sarcotesta (fleshy seed-coat). The seeds are lozenge-shaped.
The fruits are very edible to a myriad of species, allowing them to spread far and wide over their ranges. The leathery dermis required skilled jaw sets to rupture, which is necessary if it is to germinate in the fertile waters.
Ecology and Habitats
Wraith-groves are a staple of intertidal forests, islands, and estuaries. Their root systems support small islands, mitigate erosion, provide shelter for young marine life or migrant species, and feed many species.
Biological Cycle
It starts life cycle as a tiny seed coated in a jelly-like substance. Once it has access to brackish water and soft soils It germinates rapidly to combat tidal currents. Upon peircing the water's surface the plant resembles a mangrove(see earth). Many tough cuticled legs radiate from the main stalk in segments. The "legs" radiate further in diameter the higher they get, which allows observers to calculate the age of truly ancient individuals.
The Wraith-grove does not need to produce seeds or fruits to maintain its genes. Much like grasses, It can duplicate itself to dominate an area. This means all subsequent blooms and fruit falls occur at once. In bloom the flowers produced are bulbous and blue, splitting into frilly, golden bowls with nectar sweating from the interior.
After the blooms are pollinated by any number of species; such as the Irrúqhatt, the fertilized flowers twist shut and change hue from blue to violet-purple. At which point they metamorphose into the true fruits, when they are consumed in great quantities.
Additional Information
Domestication
The Wraith-fruit/grove has been cultivated for thousands of years, especially in tropical species. Its specific growth parameters largely limit its range outside of the tropical islands.
Those wishing to acquire its fruits without market importation will have to provide high salinity water w/ marine detritus approximations.
Otherwise, the fruit is easy to come by at markets across the world as its leathery skin holds up well in proper packaging.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The Wraith-fruit can be consumed steamed, boiled, raw or roasted, but can also be used in teas, alcoholic beverages, pastries, soups, and curries.
Average Height
Fruiting members vary in heigh from 6'-27'.
Geographic Distribution
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