Picros Berry Shrub

Ribes anapterii picrosa

The Picros Berry Shrub (Ribes anapterii picrosa) is a flowering ground plant almost exclusively found in the Anapteros Forest of northern New Lakonia. It is known for its edible but extremely bitter berries (known as Picros Berries) that fruit in the early autumn. The shrub is easily identified by its mat-like sprawl across the forest floor, a feature that is attributed to its reliance on underground leaders to reproduce and spread rather than the seeds of its fruit. It consists of a dense brush of small, dark green leaves growing from woody branches that grow somewhat horizontally rather than vertically. The ends of the branches bear the yellow flowers of the the plant, which typically grow in clusters of three to four before fruiting into purple berries. The Picros Berry Shrub is grown extensively by the various factions of Arcadia, due to its berries being highly-prized in making Picros syprup, an ingredient for an energy-giving tea drank in a similar manner to coffee. Despite its unusual growth requirements, the plant thrives in hydroponic and aeroponic facilities and is considered a fast grower with high yields.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

The Picros Berry Shrub grows well in a mild, temperate environment with plenty of shade and shelter from strong winds. It is therefore well-suited to the rich soils of the Anapteros Forest where it is native, and grows across the forest floor in sprawling mats which occasionally can be found growing vertically up the trees, using them as a support. Unlike certain species of parasitic plants, however, the Picros Berry Shrub does not take root in the bark of the trees to steal nutrients; rather, it trains itself to climb and grow around them, relying on the sustenance of the forest floor. It does this rarely, however, and usually only at the edges of clearings, as it is theorised that it is more energy-efficient for the plant to grow outwards rather than upwards. Considering the extensive tree canopies of the Anapteros, the Picros Berry Shrub must do everything it can to attain enough light to photosynthesise, and so spreading across the forest floor is the easiest way to achieve this.

There have been recorded cases of the plant growing outside of the Anapteros, usually southwards towards the Kiliomengi Plains, with the explanation being that travellers or migrating animals have deposited the seeds across the region when moving through. However, due to the high winds and dry, poor soil of the plains, the Picros Berry Shrub has never been found to have thrived in this location. The fruit it produces, if it produces any at all, are considered poor quality.

Scientific Name

Ribes anapterii picrosa

Lifespan

The oldest recorded plant in the wild was ~150 years old; optimal berry production starts at 2 years old and tapers off after 40 years old.

Conservation Status

Least concern

Geographic Distribution

• The Anapteros Forest
• The Kiliomengi Plains

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