Pezalko Tree

The Golden-Leaved Tree

The Pezalko Tree is a tree integral to the society of Koskalko.  Paper, oil, syrup, tea, 'wine,' and plain wood are all commonly harvested from this tree.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Reaching heights of no more than 12 meters, Pezalko Trees typically grow solitarily.  Pezalko Trees sprout many aimlessly growing branches from 1 trunk, a maximum of 33 or so centimeters in diameter, of rough, scaled light brown bark.  The leaves of the Pezalko Tree are hairy and yellow, clustering at the ends of stems.  These leaves are obcordate in shape, though squashed such that closer to the stem the leaf is broad, and then each semicircle on the opposite end returns to the center over a little distance.  Along the edge of each leaf runs loops, bending the surface of the whole leaf.  Veins run down the spine of each leaf, sprouting secondary veins in opposite directions and connecting them seemingly at random.  Pezalko Trees also sprout flowers at the end of winter, which begin to grow into fruits in summer.  These flowers are white in coloration, growing in pairs looking in opposite directions.  These large flowers begin as sweet-smelling funnels, separating into distinct, round, smooth petals as spring concludes.

Genetics and Reproduction

At the end of winter, Pezalko Trees begin to grow small white flowers in pairs at the ends of their stems.  These flowers begin as small buds facing in opposite directions, until they bloom into five-petaled cones with three stamens and a large pistil.  These flowers are smooth, covered in small yellow dots and thin veins.  These cones are fully developed before the end of spring, after that growing into tiny, dark yellow orbs with large seeds.  These seeds are often pitted, and then either fermented and squashed into a wine of sorts or boiled in water to form a sweet sauce.  If not plucked, these berries are typically eaten by birds or squirrels, or they fall to the ground to decompose.

Growth Rate & Stages

Sapling Pezalko Trees grow when a seed of theirs is planted.  Pezalko Trees are rather hardy, and almost universally begin growing in autumn.  After about 1 year, they have ascended to a height of about 5 meters, and after that, it will take many more years to reach much higher.  For its whole life, Pezalko Trees never shed their leaves, and so stand tall while the rest of the trees in the forest have dropped their leaves.  Pezalko Trees are known for their longevity, many lasting for over seventy-five years in cultivation.

Ecology and Habitats

Most of Koskalko is temperate, forming an ideal environment for the Pezalko Trees.  Though they are not affected by autumn, in the lands to the far north, which are the most affected by the monsoons, Pezalko Trees suffer.  Pezalko Trees typically grow individually, as their seeds disseminate far across the land.  However, forests almost purely of Pezalko Trees can be found, particularly in orchards, as the fruit they grow can be harvested en masse in the summer.

Additional Information

Domestication

Vast orchards of Pezalko Trees can be found throughout Koskalko.  In the summer, these trees grow countless berries, which are harvested to be fermented into a wine or sauce.  These berries are typically pitted of their large seeds, which are then crushed to release their oils.  This oil is usually used to fuel lanterns, but is also a cooking oil.  Pezalko Trees are treasured because of this, but even their leaves are often harvested, dried and salted, tasting like seaweed.  These leaves are even often made into a medicinal sweet tea, and are even a core ingredient of healing potions.  Among these uses, Pezalko Trees are also often cut to make paper, perhaps the most useful tool for nobles.  Syrup can even be obtained from Pezalko Trees, and it is used as a common sweet seasoning for desserts.  Lastly, the worms that produce silk feed almost exclusively on the leaves of the Pezalko Trees, making a whole industry out of them.  Pezalko Trees are perhaps the most integral plant to the society of Koskalko.  In fact, the Pezalko Tree is so integral to Koskalko, than in times of war, orchards of Pezalko Trees would be torched, as they were easily flammable, as a way to deplete the resources of the enemy.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

In most of central and southeastern Koskalko, Pezalko Trees can be found.  More often than not, they can be found in inconspicuous groves of other trees.  Rarely do they form forests of their own naturally.  Within settlements, large orchards of Pezalko Trees are intentionally planted, as they are so useful to the civilization of Koskalko.

Lifespan

56 years

Conservation Status

Perhaps the most common tree in Koskalko, the Pezalko Tree can be found in groves and large forests in great numbers. Pezalko Trees are also often cultivated in orchards within large cities or within cities or palaces.

Average Height

9.6 m.

Average Weight

1,160 kg.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Pezalko Trees have light gray bark, light yellow leaves, and dark yellow circular berries.