[WB-FLORAL] The Ambrosilia

About the Ambrosilia

Originating from Elysium, Ambrosilias are complex, large aquatic plants with deep and strong roots that have adapted many interesting systems for optimal survival. Also called "water trees" colloquially, they can thrive in large bodies of fresh water and live for decades when well cared for. The oldest Ambrosilia is said to be at least two hundred years old and is currently under the supervision and protection of the Botanical Archive. They have been imported and cultivated in different layers, with higher rates of success on the Deep Basin and Third Haven.

All Ambrosilia flowers begin white but can grow into several colors. Many varieties have been spotted, such as yellow, pink, purple, blue, orange, red, and even black, with the latter being the rarest. Many parts of the Ambrosilia can be used and harvested, such as the smaller flowers, the leaves, the aquatic fruits, and especially its nectar pearl.

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(Aditional Info)

1. Ililia

The large "flower" atop the plant is called the "Ililia" and is, in fact, the main collector of oxygen and sunlight for the plant. The outside petals remain open during the daytime, closing during the night, but its inner petals only begin opening during mid-autumn.

2. Pearls

Once a year, the Ililia produces what is called a "Nectar Pearl" within its firmly closed inner petals. Its outside layer is made of a firm gel-like pouch, but the inside liquid is viscous and juicy. They are formed throughout the year while the plant collects smaller quantities of its absorbed nutrients, converting them into the nectar to be used during winter. Scholars have deduced that the plant still benefits from creatures feeding from its nectar during wintertime, as they tend to fertilize the pad more frequently between feeding sessions.

Size can affect taste concentration, with small pearls being too intense for the palate of most living creatures, while the gigantic ones lose most of it, but still being a good source of hydration.

Farmers usually collect the nectar during Summer when it is most ripe, carefully extracting it by tapping the pearl's outer layer and connecting it to an artificial pouch. Once it is about 80% collected, they fill the pouch with a mixed sugary solution made of water and natural plant fertilizers that usually come from rejected crops, which helps to boost the plant's health and nutritional intake. This process is deemed harmless, and is in fact one of the reasons why cultivated Ambrosilias are larger than their wild counterparts.

Some farmers and gardeners sometimes let at least one of these pearls grow to its maximum size to compete in some harvest festivals during the Autumn season.

3. Lilias

The smaller flowers (and leaves) found covering the pad have an approximate function similar to the "Ililia", absorbing oxygen and sunlight, but also offering smaller quantities of nectar on their insides. For many years, it was believed that this process worked as a pseudo form of pollination, similar to the function of many other flowers, but in recent years, scholars have discovered that this is a way for the plant to preserve its pearl more efficiently. Creatures that feed on the nectar and leaves are less likely to attempt breaching the Lilia's inner petals if they can satisfy themselves with the smaller ones. During this process, the droppings left by these same animals will also aid in the Ambrosilia's nutritional absorption.

These flowers are called "Lilias", and they tend to clump together in bunches. Their colors are always closer to the Ililias, but more intense so as to seem more attractive. Their growth happens in spring, summer, and autumn.

The leaves are popularly used for sweet teas, while the petals can be consumed as food. The dusty nectar is collected in small quantities so as not to devoid the plant of its natural defenses and sometimes used as natural sweeteners.

4. Farming

Large bodies of fresh water, such as lakes or rivers, are required to cultivate the Ambrosilia.

Farmers use small and sturdy boats to collect the plant's flowers twice a month, and the fruits once. During those visits, they will check the branch-roots for diseases or excess of parasites, as usually most of the aquatic life tends to feed on these often enough that they are not a trouble in most cases.

If necessary, a fertilizer booster will be added to the base of the roots to be absorbed by the lower leaves.

5. Fruits

The heart-shaped fruits of the Ambrosilia are called "Cordilias", and can be found underwater, safely linked to its branch-roots. They are not produced in grand quantities, but their size is usually quite enough to feed many creatures.

They have a firm gelatinous skin that is close in color to the Ililia, but a softer and colorful doughy "meat". The seeds are usually white and heavier. Once the fruit is consumed, it will float along the bottom of the waters until proper soil and conditions can be found.

The Cordilia fruit is sweet and juicy, albeit a little sticky.

(I imagine it tastes very close to a peach-mango hybrid, with a mochi-like consistency!)

6. Root-Leaves

The roots of the Ambrosilia dig deep within the water bed, and are usually protected by the "Root Leaves". If the plant senses parasites or creatures breaching its roots, it will send a distress signal to the leaves, slowly closing them tightly to both protect the area and also suffocate and crush the offending threat.

It is imperative to be careful around those leaves, for as much as they offer no significant threat to an adult tatsukoi, they can still tangle one's limbs underwater for a long period, as well as stress the plant.

Both the roots and the leaves of the Ambrosilia are generally considered too bitter for consumption.

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