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|image          = Fireweed.png
|image          = Fireweed.png
|officialname    = Fireweed
|officialname    = Fireweed
|commonname      = Flash-plant
|commonname      = Firegrass, Crimson Scorcher, Fallash-Zahran
|classification  = Shrub
|classification  = Flower
|origins        = Ithanian Forests
|origins        = [[Daendroc]], [[Ithania]]
|habitat        = Ithanian Forests
|habitat        = Arid and dry regions
|commonuse      = Incense, medicine
|commonuse      = Antiseptic
|}}
|}}


Fireweed is an annual plant found within the forests of Ithania. It is a flowering plant known for its bright blooms and its tendency to spontaneously combust during warm, dry periods of the year. The plant is often found in small clusters in the wild or in large colonies near settlements.
Fireweed is the name for a fiery plant that originated on the Daendroc supercontinent which has since been transplanted to regions of [[New Ceardia]] and [[Farah’deen]]. Useful as an antiseptic once distilled, it has been known in the driest points of the year to burst into flames and further spread its seeds out across the area.


==Origins==
==History==
Fireweed is native to Ithania, being fairly common throughout its forested regions. In the wild, the plant is found in small patches alongside other flora. Near Ithanian cities, however, fireweed has more of a presence as a pest. Colonies of fireweed can often be found near settlements equipped with industrial facilities such as smithys, tanneries, or alchemical labs. Here, they thrive on the substances that leach out into the soil.
Fireweed has existed for centuries in Daendroc and Ithania, being noted by the Nelfin for its beauty yet destructive nature. Closer to the end of the [[Elven Empire]], its properties as an antiseptic were discovered by [[Lothar]] healers who preserved the knowledge as the Empire fell. The other [[Talar]] and the [[Ungwele]] also learned of it’s properties. [[Ailor]] too, learned of it over the years, and soon it was used commonly across the region. When trade reached Ithania and Daendroc from Farah’deen, several healers requested the plant, leading it to be transposed across the ocean to Farah’deen and then from there, it trickled into New Ceardia. The plant can now be found in two opposite locations across the world from each other and used as an antiseptic by many.


Unfortunately, fireweed’s absorption of such substances led to the plant’s tendency to combust when it dies. The corrosion of rotting fireweed causes the substances to heat up significantly.  The plant’s life cycle ends during the warm, dry periods of Ithania and as such a large field of dying fireweed can quickly heat up sufficiently to break fire. Inevitably, this led to the plant’s dominance of surrounding areas as the fires prevent any chance for competing plants to take hold. The fireweed themselves are not immune to the fires either and will burn with everything else. The seed pods, however, have enough resistance to survive for the next generation.
==Appearance==
Fireweed grows in clusters in harsh, arid locations across several continents. The flower possesses five pointed and slightly curled petals of crimson, with a dozen or so small similarly coloured stamens slightly protruding. Their leaves, beneath the flower, are often wide, with many small points or notches on the far edge.


It should be noted that fireweed only combusts due to the high amount of volatile compounds taken from the soil. Within the plant, these compounds are partially neutralized and made safe. In this way, fireweed acts as remediation for the soil, slowly cleansing it of toxins. Left on its own, the cycle of fires in an area would eventually cease as the majority of the compounds become neutralized and combustion no longer possible. At this point, other plants can start colonizing the newly cleansed soil along with the now harmless fireweed.
==Uses and Abilities==
The flower’s juices once distilled serve as an antiseptic, though the raw plant can also help, but to a far lesser degree than the distilled substance. By far however, Fireweed’s most known feature is that fact that in arid temperatures, when it wilts and starts to die, it can bust into flames. The origin of the flames is thought to be the pistil, which releases a spew of seeds into the air. A red cloud is produced, and is filled with seeds that many believe are coated in a fire-resistant chemical layer to protect against the fire. Most of the cloud falls back into the fire to grow new patches of the plant in it’s place, though some can be carried away by the wind or birds to spread the growth of the plant elsewhere.This effect of exploding into flames can also occur even after the plant has been picked and stored away to care must be kept in summer months in apothecary shops.


It should be further noted that for the above reason, it is mainly from settlements that fireweed gained its infamous reputation. Colonies of fireweed found away from any populated area, and therefore away from observers, often lack the same compounds as their city dwelling counterparts and do not naturally combust.
==Trivia==
 
*In some regions of Farah’deen, Fireweed has become apart of [[Shama-Abdala]] worship and is generally associated with [[Fire Magic]].
===Etymology===
*Fireweed received it’s name due to it’s early infestation of Nelfin villages when the people reached Ithania, often growing in the most resilient locations.
Fireweed is aptly named for its status as a pest and its tendency to spontaneously combust. Before the arrival of industrial settlements, wild fireweed was fairly unremarkable among other plants. After the arrival of Humans in Ithania, the plant’s flowers gave it value as an ornament, gaining the nickname “flash-flower”. It was not long before its other property was noticed and it gained its more popular name.
*In some regions, placing Fireweed over the grave of a deceased is seen as disrespect or a final insult, as it implies you wish to see their grave and body destroyed.
 
The plant’s fires can be disastrous to local Ithanians. Efforts have been made to weed out the plant as well as prohibiting its use as an ornamental flower.
 
==Primary Use==
Fireweed is the patron flower of the Old God, Fewa, the deity of fire. Not only is the obvious association with fire present, the plant has a tendency to grow near industrial facilities, including smithies, of which a large portion of employees are followers of Fewa. The plant is often used as incense during prayers and rituals. In the workplace, it may also be cast into furnaces to bless the fire. This reverence by the followers of Fewa furthers fireweed’s reputation as an evil plant among others of the Old God’s faith who view Fewa with antagonism.
 
Fireweed has been known in rare instances to be used as an antiseptic. The plant must be treated before use so that all toxic compounds are removed. This process is difficult, having a high rate of failure and as such, treated fireweed is a rare item and is not guaranteed to be safe to use. Treated fireweed is only applied to severe skin infections that have already taken place and only as a rather desperate measure.
*This use was invented by Fewa alchemists who wanted to literally burn away illness. It was later refined by Yanars who came up with the technique to treat fireweed.
*Treating fireweed involves extracting the toxins out of the plant in much the same way the plant itself extracts from the soil. Typically, the plant to be used must be buried within the roots of another fireweed. This is usually only done by the more delicate and nimble races such as Elves or Yanars. The difficulty of this step aside, a high rate of failure occurs because either the plant is not sufficiently cleansed of toxins, and therefore still poisonous, or the plant rots too far to be useful.
*The plant must be ground into paste and applied to the site of infection, producing an intense burning sensation. If the fireweed was not successfully treated, the use of the paste will kill off the infection but lead to inflammation and irritation of the skin as well as poisoning.
*The paste only works on non-magical infections.
 
{{Floratable
|name      = Fireweed
|appearance = Toothed, diamond shaped leaves. Can grow to a meter tall with multiple flower spikes, each containing clusters of shell-shaped flowers, vibrantly colored in the range of red from purple to orange. Small and dense root ball.
|habitat    = Temperate to warm climates. Requires acidic soil. Full to partial sun. Can tolerate light shade. Requires consistent moisture. Fairly adaptable as long as conditions are met.
|}}


{{Flora}}
{{Flora}}
{{Accreditation
{{Accreditation
|Artists = SimplyRose
|Artists = TotallyNotRose
|Writers = Enkiduu
|Writers = The_Shadow_King3
|Processors = Levers, Shayin
|Processors = Suzzie, Shayin, Shuikenai
}}
}}
 
[[category:flora]] [[category:PositiveFlora]] [[category:flowers]] [[category:Farah'deen]] [[category:New Ceardia]] [[category:UtilityFlora]]
[[Category:Flora]][[Category:Trees, Bushes, and Grasses]] [[category:Incense Ingredients]] [[category:Medicine Ingredients]] [[category:Illumination]]

Revision as of 20:01, 28 April 2016

Fireweed
Fireweed.png
Flora
Official Name Fireweed
Common Name Firegrass, Crimson Scorcher, Fallash-Zahran
Classification Flower
Common Use Antiseptic
Origins Daendroc, Ithania
Habitat Arid and dry regions

Fireweed is the name for a fiery plant that originated on the Daendroc supercontinent which has since been transplanted to regions of New Ceardia and Farah’deen. Useful as an antiseptic once distilled, it has been known in the driest points of the year to burst into flames and further spread its seeds out across the area.

History

Fireweed has existed for centuries in Daendroc and Ithania, being noted by the Nelfin for its beauty yet destructive nature. Closer to the end of the Elven Empire, its properties as an antiseptic were discovered by Lothar healers who preserved the knowledge as the Empire fell. The other Talar and the Ungwele also learned of it’s properties. Ailor too, learned of it over the years, and soon it was used commonly across the region. When trade reached Ithania and Daendroc from Farah’deen, several healers requested the plant, leading it to be transposed across the ocean to Farah’deen and then from there, it trickled into New Ceardia. The plant can now be found in two opposite locations across the world from each other and used as an antiseptic by many.

Appearance

Fireweed grows in clusters in harsh, arid locations across several continents. The flower possesses five pointed and slightly curled petals of crimson, with a dozen or so small similarly coloured stamens slightly protruding. Their leaves, beneath the flower, are often wide, with many small points or notches on the far edge.

Uses and Abilities

The flower’s juices once distilled serve as an antiseptic, though the raw plant can also help, but to a far lesser degree than the distilled substance. By far however, Fireweed’s most known feature is that fact that in arid temperatures, when it wilts and starts to die, it can bust into flames. The origin of the flames is thought to be the pistil, which releases a spew of seeds into the air. A red cloud is produced, and is filled with seeds that many believe are coated in a fire-resistant chemical layer to protect against the fire. Most of the cloud falls back into the fire to grow new patches of the plant in it’s place, though some can be carried away by the wind or birds to spread the growth of the plant elsewhere.This effect of exploding into flames can also occur even after the plant has been picked and stored away to care must be kept in summer months in apothecary shops.

Trivia

  • In some regions of Farah’deen, Fireweed has become apart of Shama-Abdala worship and is generally associated with Fire Magic.
  • Fireweed received it’s name due to it’s early infestation of Nelfin villages when the people reached Ithania, often growing in the most resilient locations.
  • In some regions, placing Fireweed over the grave of a deceased is seen as disrespect or a final insult, as it implies you wish to see their grave and body destroyed.

Accreditation
Writers The_Shadow_King3
Artists TotallyNotRose
Processors Suzzie, Shayin, Shuikenai
Last Editor Ryciera on 04/28/2016.

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