Glassleaf

Written by Valiant Requiem

Pack it. Pack it in again. Pack it once more, a third and final time, but remember to use a whole, broad leaf to wrap it, then bandage and cover the wound like normal. Let it sit for an hour, then apply the ointment.
For deep wounds such as this one on display, packing the leaf multiple times will cause the specimen's secretions to begin the process of healing, first by numbing the area, then activating the body's natural ability to heal. Because of this, it's not so much that the plant in particular is the main element of your average healing potion, but more that the crystalline nature allows for...
Mr. Barnes? Sleeping again? Would you rather be gathering Glassleaf in the Burrow or learning how to use it? Don't think we can't send you back to that farm you call a home.

Professor Skell, Head of Botany Studies at the Glass College of Alchemy

Basic Information

Anatomy

Unlike its sibling strain (Vitaleaf), Glassleaf features a crystalline structure that is entirely plant based, but much more sturdy and hardy. It is a deep green color, with the leaves themselves giving off a faint glimmer when exposed to direct sunlight. Traditional uses of the leaf when first discovered led to accidents as the crystalline structure of the plant's leaves operated more like flaky crystals and rocks. The secretions of the leaf provide a numbing agent, likely as a defense mechanism to prevent prey animals from feeding on it. When used properly, these secretions can be used in recipes for incredibly effective healing potions, as well as actively used in their base form to provide long term healing and care of wounds on the go.
The leaves of the Glassleaf plant resemble the shape of a potion bottle, with a rounded bottom leading up to a stoppered, bulbous top connected to the stem of the plant. The bulb provides the most direct source of the Glassleaf secretion needed to create potions, but the leaf itself provides the numbing agent needed for healing wounds without potions (as the crystalline structure of the leaf breaks down into sharp pieces that force the secretion into the area of the wound).

Growth Rate & Stages

Glassleaf grows quickly when properly maintained and many specimen have seen great success throughout the lands that adopted it after its discovery.
A single seed of the Glassleaf plant would take four weeks to reach full adulthood, at which point the plant is able to provide, on average, fourteen leaves in any given week. The stem grows quickly, reaching its final height halfway through the growing process, producing budding leaves a few days later. After a few more days, the Glassleaf plant's leaves begin to take their final shape, as well as develop their crystalline structure defense mechanism.
After harvesting, the plant requires another week to recover, but can generally be used a means of farming on a smaller scale due to the nature of the plant itself. With its incredible healing agents, the Glassleaf plant is capable of recovering rather quickly, as well as budding faster as time passes. A harvester who is not careful threatens to abuse this growth, causing the plant to die well before its time.

Ecology and Habitats

Beyond the numbing agents provided by the Glassleaf's secretion and the hardened crystalline structure of the individual leaves, the plant grows and spreads as many others do. The seeds of the Glassleaf plant tend to spread by growing on their own through the ground, but are very capable of becoming stuck to wandering animals that then transfer the seed to begin the process in another area.
The best area for the Glassleaf to grow in is low light forests. The defensive nature of the plant causes it to need minimal sunlight to grow healthy, as prey animals are unlikely to eat it.

Biological Cycle

When harvest and winter seasons approach, the Glassleaf plant's growth slows down dramatically. While the plant and its leaves do not wither or shed, they do become brittle and are able to be broken by even the lightest of touches. Harvesting during these times is not recommended and altogether serves to only harm the plant's long term growth, even killing the stem in some cases.

Scientific Name

Lesidius Heledaea

Origin/Ancestry

Glassleaf appears to be the magical, but still naturally occurring form of Vitaleaf found within the Kingdom of Wind.