Nirala Plant (Neer-ah-lah)

The nirala plant is found only in the sparsely populated areas of the polar ice regions of Navaravu. It is a small bushy plant that grows in clusters of 13 plants. Nirala plants are evergreen and they bloom only at the height of the frozen season. They produce an abundance of bright blue bioluminescent berries that are not only beautiful, but also deliciously sweet, juicy and nutritious.
One of the most unusual things about the nirala plant is that it grows in ice rather than soil. When seeds that have fallen onto the thick ice that covers the ground of the polar regions are ready to germinate, they emit enough warmth to melt the ice sufficiently for the seed to sink down into the ice to a depth of about three inches or so. The warmth of the growing seed keeps the surrounding ice soft enough to allow roots to spread out and the seedling to push its way up. The growing nirala plants draw minerals from the ice and receive light from Navaravu's two moons.
Nirala plants are considered sacred to the Ziravu Clan whose members make their home in the polar ice regions of Navaravu. In addition to their beauty, nutritional value and mysterious growth habit, they are the only plants in the polar ice regions that do not become dormant during the frozen season. In fact, a crown of nirala berries is even placed on the head of the new Clan Mother during the Ziravu Clan's Rite of Motherhood.

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Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Nirala plants are harvested for food as well as medicinal and ceremonial purposes and every part of the plant is used. In fact, it is considered almost a sin to waste any part of it.

• The roots are used to make healing poultices and are also added to stews as a thickening agent.

• The stems are chopped, steamed and served as a flavorful side dish or added to soups and stews.

• The leaves are used to brew nirala leaf tea which, when served warm and mild, is the favorite beverage of the Ziravu Clan most of whom consume two or three cups daily. When brewed very strong, however, nirala leaf tea has psychotropic properties that have been known to induce visions, so this version of the beverage is usually only reserved for certain spiritual ceremonies.

• The berries are often enjoyed just as they are or baked into any number of sweet treats such as pies, cakes and candies. They are also used symbolically as in the belief that keeping a sprig of nirala berries in your home will attract abundance.

Lifespan

approx. 15 - 20 solar cycles

Average Height

1.5 - 2 ft.

Geographic Distribution

• Navaravu