Sun Wheat
Sun Wheat is Wheat Country's most famous crop. It serves as the basis for almost all bread in that region.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Sun wheat resembles a cross between corn and wheat. It is a tall grass, possessing bright, shiny golden stalks with yellow-green leaves. The stem and husks are glossy enough to act as a mirror for light, blinding and confusing animals which would eat them.
Its seeds are kept in small husks near the top of the stalk, which are about half the size of those of sweet corn. These contain the seeds, which are a bright goldenrod color and slightly more matte (non-glossy) than the rest of the plant.
The wheat gets its unique color from the presence of both Fire and Light magic, as well as an abundance of beta-carotene.
Genetics and Reproduction
Sun wheat seeds cannot germinate unless they are exposed to fire. This ensures that they can grow in a low-competition environment. During planting season, farmers will deliberately stack dry grass on their sowed fields and light it on fire to activate the buried seeds.
Biological Cycle
Sun wheat grows very quickly over the course of a year. After it is planted in early spring, it grows throughout the summer, forming its husks around the Summer Solstice. By the Dawn of Autumn, its seeds are ready to harvest.
Soon after Summer's End, the plant dies, leaving behind its dried remains. These remains are either composted or kept as kindling for next year's growing season (see "Genetics and Reproduction" above).
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Sun wheat is used to make solar flour. This unique, golden flour is the basis for most bread that comes from the region.
Aside from its unique color, solar flour is higher in protein than standard white flour, comparable to that of quinoa. It also possesses a unique flavor; honeyed with a bit of notable smokiness. The latter is a result of Fire energy infused into the plant via its method of germination.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
As noted in the corresponding article, sun wheat shares a symbiotic relationship with the Mock-Suckling Plant. In exchange for protection from parasites, sun wheat supplies the low-growing plant with sugars and other nutrients it synthesizes. It exchanges these through connections made between their roots.
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