The Fay Flower

The Fay Flower (Calax Glabra) is a large plant that is tied to the reproductive process of The Fay. It is bright emerald green and rarely blooms a large white flower. The plant is generally guarded by the Fay and is protected by strict laws in most kingdoms.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Calax Glabra is an extremely rare, tall plant and can be found in most subarctic, continental and temperate regions. It has thin, rosette leaves, which are usually emerald. It also grows huge flowers, which are pure white with gold centers. It blooms once every 4 years.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Calax Glabra must be pollinated prior to planting. If pollinated, they grow a large spiny (very sharp) cupule 10-14cm in length and 3-4cm in diameter typically called a "bur" or "burr". Upon reaching maturity, the burrs turn yellow-brown and split open in two or four sections revealing a Pixie (young Fay).
Upon its death and burial, the Fay will then grow into a new Calax Galabra. If the fay was "pollinated" during its life, the plant will produce a burr (giving birth to a new fay) after each flowering cycle.

Growth Rate & Stages

The Calax Glabra will send up new shoots each spring and grow into a lush emerald green almost shrub-like plant. Every fourth year around midsummer it will send up a large stalk from its center. This stalk can reach heights of 2-3 meters (6.5 - 10 feet). The top of this stalk will bloom displaying a large pure white flower which lasts until the beginning of autumn. Once the flower fades, the base of the stalk begins to expand, growing into a large burr. The burr typically ripens in late fall and opens after the first snow.

Ecology and Habitats

These plants often grow within short distances of each other although the occasional single plant does occur. It's really easy to control and maintain their growth but they are highly resistant to domestication. They prefer full shade and poor, moist soil. The Calax Glabra is a perennial and reaches maturity after its 3rd flowering cycle.

Biological Cycle

In late fall, as its burr ripens, the follage of the Calax Glabra turns to a bright gold, browns, and falls away. During the winter the Calax Glabra goes into a hibernation state. The surface plant withers away. In the spring after the ground thaws, new growth appears.
In temperate regions, the shrub-like base of the plant never hibernates. Instead, it takes on evergreen like characteristics.

Additional Information

Domestication

The Calax Glabra is extremely difficult to domesticate due to its tie to the Fay.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

It is said that the leaves of the Calax Glabra are a cure for most toxins.

Note: It is (in most places) illegal to harvest or possess any part of a Calax Glabra plant.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Calax Glabra will grow in any non-arctic region that recievse snow at some point during the year.

Scientific Name

Calax Glabra

Lifespan

12 years

Conservation Status

Calax Glabras are fiercely guarded by the Fay in the same manner a human guards its children. Most (but not all) kingdoms where the Calax Glabra can be found have laws protecting them.

Average Height

Half a meter (~2 feet) when not in bloom.
Up to 3 meters (10 feet) when blooming.

Average Length

The shrub-like base of the Calax Glabra can grow up to 1 meter (~3 feet) in diameter. The size seems to indicate the age of the plant with a notable increase in size after each flowering.