Lore:The Flora of Aveum, vol. 1 (journal)

Volume 1: Flora of Lucium

The humble accounts of an ecologist and hound, and the flora we've discovered during our travels.

Mountain Mahogany

A scraggly tree that grows freely along the chaparral hillsides of lower Lucium. Up to 26 feet in height, it clings easily to the steep, rocky soil-- far better than my attempts collecting a sample. The leaves have leathery, thick, oval blades with serrated edges and woolly-haired undersides. This texture of the leaves distinguishes it uniquely from other Cercocarpus I have examined. The white flowers are small, clustered, and mildly scented. The wood of this tree is extremely hard and reddish, and the locals use it for arrows and spears for fish and game. My hound finds its branches a fine limb to chew upon.

Ring Mountain Lily

A lovely species with exquisitely painted petals, reminiscent of a butterfly. I'll admit I almost walked past this beautiful flower but for my hounds persistent attention digging into a hillside burrow. Indeed its modest height and mottled, yellow-green flowers blend in well with the grassy surroundings. They have striking purplish-brown markings on the petals, with long slender hairs on the upper surface. They appear to grow most prolifically upon past battlefields in lower Lucium-- perhaps due to the iron, serpentine, and other minerals crystallized and left behind to seep into the soil?

Large-Flowered Fiddleneck

A particular favorite of mine, this flower trumpets its presence with bright orange flowers which spiral quite artfully down the fiddleneck-shaped stem. My hound and I have passed many afternoons napping on the sunny Lucian hillsides amongst this vibrant orchestral carpet. Harmonizing together with the buzzing pollinator insects, birdsong, and playful wind spirit breezes, we are treated to the most beautiful of symphonies to lull us to sleep.