Stoor Root

Stoor Root
Flora
Official Name	Stoor Root
Common Name	Bitterroot, Ero-leaf
Classification	Herb
Common Use	Culinary
Origins	Westafar
Habitat	Tropical and Temperate

Stoor Root has a bad reputation across Aloria, often being considered a weed and pest wherever it grows wild. However, to the Eronidas it is a precious substance given it helps all they eat to taste incredibly savory. But, to all others, the Root and all it is added to ends up being extremely bitter. As a result, while it has spread across Aloria thanks to the travels of the Eronidas, it is rarely cultivated or eaten by those beyond that Race.

History

Stoor Root originated on Guldar with the Eronidas, though how and exactly when it was first discovered is unknown. The most common belief is that the plant was originally eaten by several of the now domesticated animals used by the Eronidas, dug up from the ground, and that over time, the Eronidas came to cultivate and appreciate the plant. During the Great Leaving, this plant was the most planted crop across the islands that the Eronidas hopped over, though they harvested all that had grown before they left (though recent trips to the region show they appear to have missed a few, with Stoor Root growing wild). As a result, the plant was somewhat plentiful when they reached Altaleï and Westwynd, and it rapidly spread across the land the Eronidas conquered. To the Elves facing this onslaught though, the plant represented only foreign invasion, and they have sought to contain and then destroy wild Stoor Root whenever it emerges in lands outside of the Eronidas nations. As for the Ailor, they came into contact with the Root as they encountered the Eronidas, and while not viewing it with the same racial-based hostility as the Nelfin did, its bitter taste and rapid growth rate was certainly an irritation to many. As a result, they too have viewed the plant as something like a weed, but some farmers still see its value as a crop for sale to Eronidas and specialty cooks across Aloria. In the end, the plant has remained largely a crop of the Eronidas, which they use across their society to help give their food a more pleasing taste.

Appearance

The Stoor Root is a seemingly normal plant, at least on the surface. It grows between four to five feet in height, with a central stem off of which up to half a dozen smaller, similarly stiff stems can emerge, all heading upward. Along this bright green surface are numerous small buds, which all open into small, four-petalled white flowers with a yellow center. These often cluster at the top of the plant. The base of the plant is where the important things happen though, as a dense cluster of deep green dentate leaves sit. Below that, in the ground, sits the plant’s thick, singular root. White in color (though often off-white until cleaned), this root is usually of a tubular shape and ends after a foot in length.

Uses and Abilities

The Stoor Root is best known for its culinary properties. For unknown reasons, though most suspect it has something to do with the Eronidas digestive system, the plant tastes excellent to them and enhances their enjoyment of any food. As a result, they use it to season their cuisine, whether it is dried into powder, cut into slices or diced into cubes before being added to one’s dish. However, the plant is also known for being “greedy” to quote horticulturalists. All other plants aside from the Root itself die in soil close-by, and they rapidly spread themselves out unless contained to a single area. As a result, they are considered a weed to most outsiders, despite their pretty surface appearance.

Trivia

• Stoor Root flowers are just about the only flowers that the Eronidas can stand, aside from those of the Shurbakal.

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Accreditation
Writers HydraLana Processors FireFan96, WaterDruppel	Last Editor HydraLana on 08/26/2023.

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