Fissure Bloom Cacti

"Oh! Be careful, you're about to step in--" The Naga tour guide winced. The scream that followed shortly after let her know that they'd fallen directly into one of the many cacti that dotted the trail. "Oh dear... Well. I have a first-aid kit right here, at least."

Brief

The Fissure bloom cactus is naitive to the Piray Canyon. This plant is a mix of beauty and danger due to its needles and flowers. It is most commonly found within the depths of the canyon itself, though ocassionally will grow along the upper edges and rockface. This cactus is one of the few plants that can survive the harsh temperatures and climate of Priay's badlands. It isn't uncommon for people attempting to climb in the canyon to accidentally step into or brush against these cacti and bring parts of the fissure back to base camp with them.

Basic Information

Anatomy

General

All in all, the fissure cactus is not a large species of cacti, due to the amount of water and sun available in the canyon. As a result they are typically short and stout. Rarely while in favourable conditions, some specimens can become quite plump and large. Their colour is comparable to many other cacti with their flesh a yellow-green--the more vibrant the colour, the healthier it is.

Flowers

The blooms of the fissure cacti can vary in colour. The general health of the plant is a key factor, as well as any magic used nearby. Without interaction these plants will bloom white or a pale yellow. With interactions involving mana, they will blossom into a vibrant red. The flower buds and blossoms themselves are edible, and are faintly tangy to the taste.

Needles

Along the vertical seperations along it's circumfence, the fissure bloom cactus has tiny needle-like thorns. These thorns are very thin and are around 4 in (10cm) in length. While primarily named 'Fissure' after the canyon, the fissure bloom cacti also carry this name due to how if the needle isn't removed from the skin promptly, it can create fissues along the skin as it migrates and attemps to break its way out. As a result, these needles cause excruciating pain when first entering and exiting the skin and is followed by a burning sensation due to a chemical reaction between the needles and flesh.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Fissure Bloom Cactus is naitve to Piray, specifically the Piray Canyon. It can sometimes be seen growing along the top ridge of the canyon, but is more prominent within it where there is more shade. There are attempts to grow this species outside of Piray, but once taken out of arid conditions it is difficult to maintain-- It is the mark of a true green thumb is one manages to keep one alive for even half a season. There is limited success within Alkast, where the temperature is just as arid.

Kingdom

Plantae

Family

Cactaceae

Lifespan

10-200 yrs

Average Height

2-3 feet

Geographic Distribution

• Piray Canyon

"You have to stop moving, I can't grab them with the tweezer if you're squirming." An older earth dragon morphed into humanoid form, with horns curling around his head sat with a young human in his lap. Her hair was done up to mimic the way his horns sat, and she was dressed in hiking gear, full of dirt and scrapes. She sniffled, her bare forarm and part of her hand covered in the vibrant needles of cacti.

The child had tears pouring down her face while her uncle delicately pulled needle after needle from her tender skin. Every time he pulled, she let out a wince or cry, and more tears would follow. He kept his voice gentle as he scolded her. "Now we know to be careful around them when visiting, because they hurt... But you'll be alright love. It's just going to take awhile to take all these out."