Matrimonial Tree

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Matrimonial Tree can only grow when there are two seeds with fragments of souls of two people who love each other buried together. It grows intertwined, similar to a caduceus. It grows a thin bark and contains a liquid similar to aloe, but darker and thicker. As the tree grows, it becomes similar to an oak, but with it's trunk and branches much more intertwined, with green, golden yellow and pink leaves. If the relationship is wavering or one of the wedding vows is broken, the tree will grow visibly sickly, with it's leaves falling off at a worrying rate, greyed and dry.
The tree seemingly cannot be destroyed without the permission of the bonded ones or very powerful magic. A tree that is cut down seems to quickly regenerate from it's roots. If uprooted, it will keep growing normally. A tree that is burnt down or chopped into small pieces flies towards the bonded along with a magical wind, re-planting itself within a mile of them.

Biological Traits

The species has no gender and grows to an average of 80 feet tall and 25 feet wide, similar to an oak that has two intertwined trunks. The trees live as long as ones that planted them love each other, sometimes lingering up to a month longer, but no more.

Genetics and Reproduction

The species does not seem to reproduce. They produce no flowers or pollen and it's branches or fruit do not grow when planted.

Growth Rate & Stages

The matrimonial tree grows accordingly to how much the bonded couple love each other. This growth is quite exponential, but seems to vary greatly between couples. It seems like the growth is greater when the bonded have magical prowess and/or are elven. They can grow almost as large as oaks, and in much less time. The record for a tree to reach maturity is two months, but they can take up to 5 years, with an average of 3 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Matrimonial trees seem to grow more and faster when there are other matrimonial trees nearby. This is also true for any other trees around them, to a lesser extent. Apart from this fact, matrimonial trees have been seen growing on deserts, tundras and volcanic rock alike, seemingly unaffected by otherwise averse conditions.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The matrimonial tree feeds on the love between the two people who imbued it's seeds with a fragment of their souls. As long as the two people love each other, the tree will grow healthy. Some trees even live beyond the life of one or both the bonded people.

Biological Cycle

The matrimonial tree does not suffer any changes throughout the year.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Matrimonial trees are commonly used by many creatures when they need to meditate, for the trees' calming aura is highly relaxing. The trees also produce a powerful aphrodisiac fruit whenever there is a succesful conception between the couple whose soul fragments were in it's seeds. This fruit is highly sought after because of how specific it's appearance is. This fruit is similar to a strawberry in shape and colour, a peach in texture and size and it's inside looks and tastes similar to ficus, but even sweeter. The fruit can be eaten, but is usually grinded down and drunk instead. Due to it's potency and rarity, it is usually watered down and mixed with other drinks. In great festivities, there is sometimes a properly identified punch with the drink mixed into it.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Matrimonial Trees can be found everywhere, but they are most common in elven communities.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The tree has a soothing aura around it that will calm living creatures. Many animals can be found resting by the trees at all times. If either of or both the lovers approach the tree, it will very slowly move, in a sort of dance. The trees act as a soul anchor and the bonded always know where it is with some margin of error, even when it changes places for whatever reason.

Scientific Name

Granum maritalis

Origin/Ancestry

Any regular tree seed can become a Matrimonial Tree, as long as it is imbued with the proper ingredients and rituals.

Conservation Status

Matrimonial Trees are commonly within elven communities, and almost always in routes of druid patrols. They are quite common, and only require any tree seed and a bit of magic to create, making them easy to produce.