Honeyglow

Written by strawberryAle

Honeyglow is an important bioluminescent plant found within the subterranean caverns found within the Pit of Llyne. It can also be found growing in the deeper parts of the world, but is notably far more abundant within the second layer of the Pit, where it grows in thin clusters of flowers that excrete the substance it's most known for. Honeyglow is most important for any race living within the underground.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Honey Glow's typical form grows with thick, burrowing roots that form little clusters along cave walls. Younger forms of the plant resemble large lily's with a four thick yellow petals. The petals give off a dim glow in the dark. Several stems grow out from the center, ending with thick-shelled pods that in time, grow with the plant. These pods are filled with a thick, tar-like fluid that glows dimly in the dark. This fluid is a build up of nutrients that lure in prey.
The outside of the petals are coated in a thick, leathery armour, while the interior is spongy and resistant to most damage, preventing most methods of escape. The fluid, funnily enough, is actually the nutrients it creates from the prey it devours.

Genetics and Reproduction

The thick, coconut-esque pods found on the stalks actually double as seeds. When they grow too heavy, the plant actually sheds the seed nearby. This leads to the pod using its own stored nutrients before growing into a new Honeyglow plant. Honeyglow can form rapid patches if left unchecked, and are actually a potential danger to the ecosystem due to the thick patches they may form.

Growth Rate & Stages

Initially, Honeyglow appears as a small lily. A flower with soft petals that slowly increases in time. The nutrients it absorbs from the seed later leads to the petals turning thick and filled with the tar-like substance, followed by a tough, leathery shell at the outside.
When a Honeyglow flower accrues a substantial amount of nutrients from its surroundings, several thick stalks begin to transport and store the broken down nutrients into a sweet, thick tar-like substance, often compared to honey. This substance is stored in glowing pods that secrete thin enough amounts to provide a dim and yellow glow, earning the plant its moniker. Further more, the stickiness of the substance also acts as a lure that traps anything that interacts with it, allowing it to swiftly close over and claim any passers by.

Ecology and Habitats

The underground. Honey glow flowers typically lure in smaller prey, but rumours of plants large enough to devour a fully grown man aren't entirely unheard of. Fortunately, something as simple as a firearm or blade is fully capable of puncturing its thick flesh.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Honeyglow plants lure prey in with the stalks that develop upon the center, breaking down any prey into more nutrients that is later used to create more of the nutrient pods necessary to trap its prey.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Honeyglow is capable of being harvested safely from its pods. Though some flowers grow large enough to become a problem should they close around something, they are still fully susceptible to simple weapons. Honeyglow is often harvested to act as a natural light source, stored in glass containers that act as pseudo lanterns that do not stop glowing.
Honeyglow is also fully edible. True to its name, the flavor is known for being rather sweet. The nutrients it provides are generally well-rounded; it is thus considered a very important part of Lagari cuisine, whom frequently grow Honeyglow farms for both light sources and food.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Honey glow plants are almost exclusively found within The Pit of Llyne, but can also be found in small amounts within the underground caverns of Veska, particularly on the Dwarven isle of Kalimourne.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Extra sensitivity around its lures; which triggers the petals to close around anything touching it.

Lifespan

Honeyglow plants live on forever.

Average Height

They also grow indefinitely, so long as they aren't destroyed.