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Available copies outside of the Archives; 10
The first volume documenting known flora of Hellish origin, though not confined to the Hellscape itself. All contents of this volume are documented to have began appearing only after the arrival of the Greater Demons and their rifts.
This volume contains information on the following: Shroomlight Lichen, Mysantheum, and the Sanguira Flower.
Shroomlight
A strange type of lichen that can drifts in spores through the Hellscape, and can be seen growing in abundance within Hell itself, it has found its way into the mortal world through the rifts opened between them. It can be seen growing on the remains of large archways, rifts, even if they are no longer active. Otherwise, it grows at a faster pace than most lichens, and in abundance over all surfaces within darker and shaded locations, especially if these locations are warm. Whilst it can grow over any sort of matter, it does actively avoid growing in places exposed to the sunlight. It should be noted it does not grow in places of extreme cold, flaking away in these conditions as well as if exposed to direct flame.
The most distinguishable feature of Shroomlight Lichen is that it glows a bright shade of blue, varying between hues of cyan and teal. It appears much like a moss, though its texture is more brittle and dry, with small flat leaf-like structures interspersed throughout it.
This lichen is not toxic when ingested, and it is entirely harmless to the touch. Its earthen smell is similar to other lichen types of more mundane origin, and water does not harm nor hinder its growth. It has been documented that in carefully crushing it or making a paste from this powder can be used almost as effectively as wood for a fire, though it gives off a blue flame, some remnants of its glow.
Mysantheum
Similarly to Shroomlight Lichen, the Mysantheum flowers tend to appear and flourish in areas that have been exposed to the Hellscape through rifts, even if they are long since inactive. Whilst they can be found away from them as with all Hellborn Flora, it is these locations where they are in most abundance with a preference to darker, warmer areas in which they glow softly with flickering cyan undertones. It does not grow in places of extreme cold, and withers away if exposed to flame as many other plants, despite its origins.
The glow it emits has been documented to lure in insects, especially ones considered somewhat abrasive, like bees, pincer beetles, and mosquitos. The presence of these insects around the flowers tends to keep predators of it away. It does not eat these insects, but thrives on rich soil and warmth to grow.
Mysantheum grows at a relatively quick pace, spreading outwards across the ground like moss before sprouting the flowers that can grow up to 30cm in height. These flowers are vivid in colour, varying from bright blues, teals, and even shades of purple, though the roots of them are always a deep crimson tone, glimpsed through the moss. These roots, when dried, can be used as a flavourful spice with a fair amount of heat to food dishes, and has some alchemical uses as well.
Mysantheum is not toxic, and whilst it provides no nutritional value in being consumed, even the flowers and stem can bring a mild heat when used in teas and cooked dishes. To smell the flowers tickles the nose with the strange heat it brings, like a foreign spice.
Sanguira
Unlike most other Hellborn Flora, the Sanguira flower grows not where rifts have been, but where blood has been spilt. It only came into being after the invasion of the Ivory King, however, and so is considered a Hellborn Flora all the same.
The Sanguira flower initially appears to be a variety of lily, but the petals are rarely pale and instead take on purple, pink, or maroon tones. The flower itself is generally where the similarities end, for the slightly thicker stem is marked with crimson thorns. Even its leaves, small and deep green in colour, are somewhat sharp.
To some, the reason for its namesake, based on ‘Sanguine’, is that its sap is blood-red in colour. Strangely, this sap is cool to the touch, and holds numbing qualities to it even after being washed away. A few drops, diluted in a consumable liquid, can ease sore throats and ease aches within the body for about half a day. Taking too much of a dosage makes one ill and nauseous as the sap can become a toxin if not carefully handled. Experienced hands can refine it further in alchemy for more beneficial use.
However, more than the sap, it actively thrives on the nutrients in blood and will grow with that instead of water like other plants. Dropping blood upon its petals will slowly turn them into a vibrant red hue over the course of a few days, so reactive it is to the substance.
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Author; Melarue Lydril
