Sand Rose

Despite the name, the Sand Rose isn't actually a rose. It's a form of cactus that grows in the sand wastes of the Harq'nar Desert. Its flowers vary from a deep sanguine red, to a bright magenta. According to the Alsafar Tribes, the Sand Rose was grown by their god Mazar to heal the goddess Sahir after she was attacked by the Azif, the god of the underworld, when she turned down Azif's marriage proposal. Realising the amazing potential of this plant, Mazar planted it in what would become the Harq'nar Desert.
The Sand Rose flowers are also a major component of the hallucinogenic drug known as, Spice of Ahlam.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

The Sand Rose has thickened, fleshy parts adapted to store water, and is covered in spines to protect it from birds and other creatures. The plant itself only grows to about a foot tall and is known for its bright red, yellow, pink, and in rare cases purple flowers. The flowers are known to have magical properties.
All the colours have healing properties but the differing colours have other properties The red flowers are used for brewing love and luck potions. The yellow flowers are sometimes used in poisons, but are mostly used for fertility potions. Pink flowers are similar to the red flowers but typically produce more extreme effects than the red. Purple flowers are so rare that royalty and the wealthy are the only ones who can afford them. The purple flowers are used in temple rituals as incense, or as dyes for clothing. If processed properly the purple and pink flowers create a hallucinogenic effect similar to LSD.

Ecology and Habitats

The Sand Rose typically flourishes among hot rocky desert terrain.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Sand Rose is found all over the northern regions of South Fablen, most notably the Harq'nar Desert.