Purheim Flower

Overview

Purheim Flowers are a species of flower flora endemic to the isle of Norheim, particularly within the regions of the Graecoast and Luthrik Forest. These flowers are characterized by their deep purple color and icy petals, which give them a unique and striking appearance. The Purheim Flower is often held in high regard by the populace of Norheim Isle, appearing in many paintings and other works of cultural art and iconography. Alongside this, they are also highly valued in the alchemical arts, as their pedals contain inherent preservative qualities, making the pedals of the Purheim one of the island's most lucrative exports to the rest of the Bariquel continent.

Physical

Purheim Flowers have a very distinct physical appearance, distinguished by their icy petals and purple coloring. Its petals have an almost translucent quality, where they appear to be slightly translucid when viewed from certain angles. Their stalks are relatively thick and sturdy, with their leaves being somewhat similar to those of the Ivy Flower. When the plant is cut or crushed, it exudes a faint aroma that has been described as smelling like "cold iron." Additionally, the leaves of the Purheim Flower are covered in iced-over fine "hairs," giving them a rather coarse texture.

Purheim Flowers are known for their hardy nature and ability to survive in the cold and snowy conditions of Norheim. They are able to survive the harsh winters by burrowing deep into the soil, where they can remain dormant until the warmer spring months. Once the weather begins to warm up, the flowers will emerge and begin to bloom, providing a stunning display of color and beauty. The plant itself can grow quite large, growing up to around three feet (0.91 meters) tall and four inches (10 centimeters) wide. It tends to sprout directly out of the ground, preferring to remain near the snow-covered surface, with its roots exposed and its stems rising above the snow. These flowers are notable for being able to propagate through both seeds and spores, depending on the conditions surrounding them, and are capable of producing viable seedlings even after having been frozen solid for several decades.

Usage

Ecosystem

Purheim Flowers play a unique and important role in the ecosystem of Norheim, as these flowers are a primary food source for several species of insects and animals that call the island home. One of the main insects that feed on Purheim Flowers are Snowbees who inhabit Norheim. These bees are specially adapted to survive in the harsh and cold climate of Norheim, and they rely heavily on the flowers for food. The bees collect the nectar from the flowers and use it to make arctic honey, which is a valuable food source for both the bees, and the inhabitants of Norheim. These insects are also important pollinators in the ecosystem of the isle, and the presence of the Purheim Flowers helps to ensure that the island's other plants and flowers are able to reproduce and thrive.

They also play an important role in the island's soil. The petals of the flowers contain natural compounds that help to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth in other plants. Additionally, the flowers are known to help retain moisture as well as attract pollinators that will aid in the growth of many different types of plant life on the island.

Alchemical Use

Purheim Flowers are highly sought after by alchemists for their ability to preserve ingredients, as the unique compounds found in the flowers have been shown to keep other ingredients fresh for extended periods of time. Alchemists use the petals of the Purheim Flowers to create a preservation potion by crushing the petals, then mixing them with other ingredients such as water and alcohol. The mixture is then heated and allowed to simmer for several hours before being subsequently cooled and bottled. Both the petals of the Purheim Flower itself and the potions of preservation that can be made from them have an alchemical rating of 4.5, making them a fairly decent and populace ingredient.

While not the most potent preservative in the world, a preservation potion made from Purheim petals can be used to keep ingredients fresh for long periods of time and is able to prevent spoilage and decay in food and drink items, making it a valuable tool for those who travel frequently or have limited access to fresh ingredients. Alongside this, alchemists have discovered that the preservation potion can also be used as a preservative in cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, and balms. This makes it a valuable tool for those who create and sell beauty products, such as fragrance alchemists The preservation potion can also be used to preserve herbs and plants which are hard to grow, this way, alchemists can have a steady supply of the ingredients they need for their potions and remedies.