Elbent
The Elbent plant, known for its healing and destructive powers, is a flower native to certain fields on Ligaru. It is recognisable by its large, 6 peddled, white flowers.
Ecology & Habitat
The plant largely consists of a long and woodlike stem, large and pointy leaves, and distinctive white flowers. The flowers are about 7 - 9cm in diameter, have 6 peddles, and make up the top half of the plant. In the wild, the plant only grows on certain open fields, where silt dominates the soil (around 39°S 1°W). The Elbent naturally only grows between 1000m and 1700mThe plant is able to withstand most extreme weather for extended periods but cannot survive when exposed to too much sunlight. This is a pity for a plant on plains, where shadows lack. This means that the plant dies out in spring and summer and is only present from late autumn till the dawn of spring.
Elbent repas (cultivated)
Elbent Repas refers to any of the 4 cultivated variants of the Wild Elbent. These were all created with the same purpose, to enhance the medicinal ability of the stem of the plant. The most widespread variant on Ligaru is Branduru. This was made in the private gardens of the Branderon dynasty. The wild plant was cultivated to fit the needs of the royal court by crossbreeding with a collection of other plants. This variant is less reliant on silt for its growth as well as its thicker and softer stem. This new stem holds much more of the chemical responsible for the wanted effects. The habitat of the Elbent repas is slightly different and larger, it can grow in forests and on lower altitudes. The Elbent repas is therefore much more common than its counterpart.
Use
Flower
The white flowers are often used to decorate clothes and headwear. It is seen as a symbol of good luck and a stress repellent, often given when one goes off on a long journey. The peddles are used to create a glorious pure white dye. This however requires much labour and is therefore only rarely done.
Stem
The Elbent is known for its resourceful stem. When chewed upon, Elbent stem suppresses hunger, pain, and fatigue. Its main uses are against Headaches and altitude sickness. Among outsiders, it is much believed to have healing qualities and sellers often proclaim it to heal wounds and broken bones, cure depression, nosebleeds, diarrhea, and even baldness. It is not commonly found in the kitchen because it has a bitter taste and is therefore only put in stews and soups for its stimulating abilities.
The healer of wouds and blind, curer of sicknesses in the mind! Chew two pieces thrice a day at noon and at night, and your foul red hair might even turn white!
The only problem with Elbent stem is that if consumed extensively, it suppresses your senses too much. Hallucinations and dizziness are common side effects after eating one whole plant. Over the last century have these seemingly dangerous consumption levels gone from being viewed with distaste, to being the most popular recreational drug on the island.
Average Height
0..4 - 0.7m
Geographic Distribution
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