Stone Bloom

The Stone Bloom Tree or Calcifia is a vital plant, rich in calcium and minerals. It is used in healing, especially of bones. The plant itself grows to twice the height of a typical Norttus male and stands as a small tree to the Smaller Species. It has long, flat needles that spread in a fan like pattern at the end of silver white branches. This particular tree flowers, with blooms that dissolve in rainfall. While all parts of the plant are edible, it is typically bitter when eaten fresh and is better used powdered. Typically the needles are saved, but older plants also have old limbs harvested to encourage new growth. The most valuable part of this plant is the Stone Bloom. The color of the blooms vary from region to region due to mineral content in the soil.
The Stone Bloom plays a vital role in Larger Wordsmith rites, with the most difficult of these rites being the Rite of the First Star. Stone Blooms kept dry and whole are vital to preventing deadly infection when a Star Sapphire is implanted into the bony protrusions on a Larger's forehead. Infection in this area is easily transfered to the brain, eyes, or ears.
The difficulty of this first rite is because apprentice Wordsmiths are not told what natural materials they will need in order to survive and must find out themselves. Once out in the world on their own, an apprentice must learn that they need the assistance of the Smallers, the only ones who can handle Calcifia and other magical herbs. Assuming they know best or disrespecting the Smallers who they ask for help leads to varying consequences. These can include having the wrong Blooms for their Sapphires, tainted herbs and spices, and a total denial of assistance, which will spread quickly thanks to Smaller's command of domesticated Cats and Birds used for travel.
Stone Blooms, along with other supporting minerals, herbs, and foods, are then crafted into a sweet, dense cake that is meant to sustain a Larger for the entire healing process.