Hopespear
A hopespear is a semi-epiphytic bulb known for its architectural flowers and Season of Waiting blooming habit. It is so-called for the appearance of its flower when blooming -- like a spear wreathed in cloud -- that resembles the nae'cthosai folktale of the Darmlegung Spear, which additionally is possibly linked to the founding history of Sahle-ve'Ebaith.
Basic Information
Anatomy
1-3" bulbs produce up to a dozen 3-5" thick aerial/terrestrial roots and a star-shaped cluster of twenty to thirty rigid, narrow leaves. Only one to two equally-rigid flower spears emerge at a time.
Biological Traits
Bulbs themselves are light gray-green and mottled with brown, while the roots are the same light-gray green. Leaves are blue-green and somewhat glossy. The flower is a flat spear shape created by several overlapping scales green to creamy white in color, from which near-transparent white petals sprout.
Ecology and Habitats
Typically found as a quasi-parasitic companion to large trees, where it secures itself in the crooks of branches; prefers good airflow and drainage. Also occasionally seen growing in rocky forests or ruins of buildings. Prefers temperate climates.
Additional Information
Domestication
Increasing popularity as a houseplant as cultivation methods stabilize.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Common in Unenshuut and Seyis-Gol, but a suspected subspecies thrives in the Fareale Oasis and along the oasis banks of the Laqalney River.
Lifespan
4-6 Years (Wild 5-7 Years (Domestic)
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Average Height
1'
Geographic Distribution
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