Silionfruit

The four Planes of Tìrean na Sìthichean Dùileach are not well known for their abundant land-based agriculture, and as the Elemental Fey do not consume traditional food, it is not something they are particularly focused on changing. Corra-Chagailt, the Realm of the Fire Fey, is particularly hostile toward food-bearing plants, despite having some beautiful examples of Elemental flora, which is what makes this particular Fey fruit both unlikely and unusual.

Silionfruit is a very distant relative of the Fey Dragonfruit, believed to have been created when the Gates to the Planes of the Primordial were overloaded and destroyed, allowing Primal energy to flow unfiltered into Tìr na Sìthe for a brief moment.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Silionfruit is a hardy and succulent cactus that thrives in the scorching heat of Corra-Chagailt. It has long triangular stems coloured brassy yellow, which are capable of supporting themselves up to a height of 5-6 meters, though is more often found intertwined around other trees or crystalline growths to support growth to a height of up to 20 meters. The roots of the Silionfruit barely penetrate the ground, so very little of the Primal energy they require is actually absorbed through them. Instead, most of the energy needed is absorbed through thick, tough thorns growing from the stems.

The plant produces flowers that are purplish-red in colour, reaching sizes from twelve to forty-four inches in length. The flower is comprised of between 16-30 long, slender, tapered petals that spread out like a star, surrounded by long, thin sepals.

The size of the fruit can vary depending on the size of the flower, usually reaching about half as long as the length of the flower, and two thirds of the fruit's length in width. Their skins are purple and scaly with sharp, hard, black spines. Inside, the pulp is vermillion red, and filled with tiny black seeds.

Genetics and Reproduction

Silionfruit relies on pollinators to produce fruit-bearing plants, though it can self-fertilise in order to produce non-fruiting plants. Common pollinators include Ashtongue Moths and Miniature Flame Beetles. From pollination to harvest usually takes around seven months.

Growth Rate & Stages

From sowing, Silionfruits take around 40 days to germinate, then grow for approximately 7 years before flowering.

The flowers only bloom for two days before turning black and drying up.

Fruits take seven months to fully ripen.

Ecology and Habitats

Silionfruit only grows in the Corra-Chagailt region of the Elemental Fey Planes. It thrives in the hotter parts of the realm, only appearing in areas where the temperature never drops below 30°C.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The plant does not take nutrients from the soil, instead absorbing Primal energy from the ground, nearby trees, and Irascibite (Shock Glass).

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The fruits can be eaten as a sweet and delicious delicacy. The pulp always feels pleasantly warm, even outside of Corra-Chagailt. The flowers can be steeped as tea, though they are not safe to eat raw - the body, roots, and unsteeped flowers are all poisonous.

The pulp of the Silionfruit's body can be used to create Flametongue poison.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Silionfruit originates from the Corra-Chagailt Realm of the Elemental Fey Plane. It only grows in areas of this region where temperatures never drop below 30°C. Attempts to cultivate it outside of this region have failed due to the unique combined Primal and Fey properties of the Elemental Fey Plane.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

The plants are mildly parasitic, drawing Primal energy from other trees where they can, often causing them to turn into carbonised husks. However, Silionfruit plants have a stabilising affect on Irascibite, which is often a highly volatile substance that explodes when touched by physical matter. It is thought that drawing the Primal energy out of the Irascibite is what stabilises the rock.

Contents

Origin/Ancestry

Fey Dragonfruit

Lifespan

200-300 years

Average Height

• 15-20m supported
• 5-6m unsupported

Geographic Distribution

• Corra-Chagailt