Blood Nettle

Basic Information

Anatomy

This small bush-like plant grows only about three feet high, and is know for its thorns and red coloration. The vine like plant grows in a cluster creating a bush appearance. The main part of the plant is red which scholars say help it to grow in the harsh cold, and is caused by the crimson blood like sap that flows through the vine. The root system of the plant has the exceptional ability to retain a large amount of water even in the freezing cold. The plants growth pattern creates a nest around the root bulb which covers the ground to protect the root bulb from the cold and prevent the ground from freezing. The thorn like leaves are coated with crystalized sap that allows light through, but protects the leaves from freezing during winter.

Genetics and Reproduction

Blood Nettle will produce bulbs filled with sweet sap and a single seed that will yield a single root bulb when transported away from the plant.

Ecology and Habitats

The Blood Nettle plant excels in climates of extreme cold where its unique anatomy allows it to grow and thrive even in the freezing cold. It is most commonly found on the Phantom Chersonese, but has also been reported to be found in the far north of Zura.

Biological Cycle

During the Spring and Summer months the plants leaves become soft and it resembles a tangled bush, but upon the first day of the Lunar Zenith the plant excretes its sap through it's leaves giving off the visual of it bleeding. As the temperature drops during fall the sap will harden over the leaves creating a hard thorn like shell over the leaves which will persist until the next spring when the temperature rises. 
During the spring the plant will sprout small bulbs filled with sweet red sap and a seed to encourage local fauna to transport the seed to other areas.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The sap the plant can be used to craft potent heling salves containing condensed nutrients and regenerative properties. Additioanlly, the thorns have been harvested as substitute blow gun darts during the winter.