Zemmer (Zem-mur)
Carver's Delight
Few floras within Churrian society are as recognizable as that of the Zemmer tree. Stable in its growth and the only provider of the Zemmer spice, a popular warm and sweet powder found within many Churrian kitchens, this distinctive tree can be seen decorating nearly every major facility and greenhouse of the displaced Churrian people. Inspiring in the memory of its former expanses of forests on Churr, the Zemmer marks itself as one of the two colors displayed upon many Churrians' clothing as a way to remember the loss of their home.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Common throughout many Churrian establishments and facilities, the Zemmer tree is defined primarily by two significant traits. Its dark red, three pointed leaves and large hanging nuts. Growing to a moderate size, the Zemmer tree is one of the most recognizable plants to come from the destroyed planet of Churr. Sunset-like in its foliage, it, along with other crimson flora, helped to create the vibrant landscape that many Churrians still mourn.
Genetics and Reproduction
Reproducing solely through its thick seeds, the Zemmer tree will often grow large hanging nuts that will then fall onto the ground to begin the growing process anew. A popular spice ingredient, the Zemmer nut is frequently ground into powder to flavor a variety of Churrian dishes and desserts, such as the Kashti. The spice itself is stated to have a warm and slightly nutty flavor with hints of soft vanilla enhancing its taste profile. Because of this notable flavor, the Zemmer nut is also often consumed by itself in a variety of ways throughout Churrian culture, including being eaten raw or roasted over an open flame.
Growth Rate & Stages
Due to the naturally cold environments located on the destroyed planet of Churr, the Zemmer tree, along with other similar species, did not have a tendency to grow very large. Generally growing to around 20 to 30 feet over the course of several years, the Zemmer tree does not begin to develop its sizeable nuts until reaching a mature height of around 15 feet. As such, though its flavorful nuts are highly sought after in many Churrian dishes, new Sanguar Institute facilities will often have to wait for extended periods of time as the sprouts they bring with them grow large enough to begin harvesting.
Ecology and Habitats
Stable and enduring, the Zemmer tree is known to manage well in colder environments where its natural temperment is able to thrive. That said, the tree is a relatively slow grower, which means that it can be outperformed in other environments and often requires special care to ensure that it is able to thrive in more temperate and hot climates.
Biological Cycle
Preferring colder climates, the Zemmer tree is able to endure moderately freezing temperatures longer than other trees before eventually entering its hibernation stage. To do so, it will generally shed its brilliant red leaves, which can leave fresh snow-laden fields dazzled with a crimson-red carpet.
Additional Information
Domestication
Due to the unique circumstances of its arrival into Refuge, the Zemmer tree stands as a titan of remembrance to the Churrian's former homeworld. Bearing distinctive red leaves and heavy, edible nuts, the Zemmer tree is a carefully managed fixture around many Churrian and, subsequently, Sanguare Institute facilities. However, this has led to it garnering a reputation as a plant one should be careful around lest one end up with a sore head from falling nuts.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
While the Zemmer tree sees immediate exploitation as the provider of the Zemmer spice, the large and relatively soft nuts on its branches have also served another purpose for many bored Churrians. Able to be easily carved, the tree's sizable nuts have earned a reputation as being perfect for the creation of pleasant-smelling figurines or toys. As such, the tree has, over time, earned the nickname 'Carver's Delight' due to this unique property.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
A common sight throughout the now destroyed world of Churr, the Zemmer tree now finds most of its home within Churrian greenhouses and gardens as a carefully cultivated crop. As a result, wild varieties of Zemmer are an incredibly rare occurrence owing primarily to careless gardeners or animal intervention.
Lifespan
Around 40 to 60 years.
Conservation Status
This species is relatively rare throughout Refuge as it is primarily found in Churrian gardens as opposed to being allowed to grow in the wild, though there are exceptions.
Average Height
20 to 30 feet.
Geographic Distribution
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