Aquatic Plant - Tumblr Posts

Inktober 2019 - Yura Aquabulla

a.k.a. Yura Waterbubble Plants, Yurayura Aquabulla

Found particularly in the Great Buddy Lake and River, though they can also be found in the lesser lakes and rivers of Laykia Layna.

Yura Aquabullas are popular commodities among Buddys. They make for quick, portable sources of water, and when stored with caution, can last a long time.

#29 Egalitops Aquana

A rare aquatic plant that can be found on the northern end of the Great Buddy Lake. Similar varieties can be found on other continents and bodies of water, and the plant can also grow well in a simulated climate. The Egalitops resembles a Spotil in many ways, but it's flesh is more plum-like with a gooey, almost egg-like center. The goo inside is favored in dishes, but the fruit itself does not cook well unless served very lightly simmered.

I’ve been neglecting to upload these to tumblr, so here we go! Floratober/Inktober days 1-10!

Aprai Liflower

The Aprai Liflower is a small plant that craves lots of sun. During rainy months and at night it will close up, and during partially rainy months it may even retreat into the ground completely to await the return of the sun. Found in the Amicaia region of Wing Alayna primarily, though it had been known to prefer the longer days and drier climate of the Warminia Songlianne continent.

Red Magnificentia

A rare flower found deep in the valleys of the High Amica Mountains. The plant is known for its powerfully red petals, redder than any other red. It is prized and sought after for dyes, but attempts at cultivation have been tricky, as it is quite particular about its habitat. Though there are rumors of one that grows deep in the Greater Amican Forest...

Swirlah Tree

Well-known for its delectable berries reminiscent of peaches, as well as its fragrant, cinnamon-like bark, the Swirlah tree can be a lucky find if you're ever lost in the Great Buddy Forest... Or, if you're just out for a stroll in the woods.

Lonlar

"On the Lonlar, a lone Lar-leaf."

Prized for its leaves and fiddlehead-like stem, most every part of the Lonlar can be cooked and enjoyed. The Wing Alaynan variety is sweeter, but the Reline Ah variety, depicted here, has a much milder taste, like lettuce.

Radianis

Deep in the Greater Amican Forest, on a certain day of the year, one may happen upon a glowing field of Radiani flowers. Though a field of them can be spectacular in the day, in the dark of the forest at night, they're something else entirely. Though efforts have been made to determine the day they bloom on, it seems to be different every year, and so does the annual Radiani festival held each year around the blooming fields of Radianis.

Topberry Waterbush

The Topberry Waterbush is a strange bush that grows in water. It can do so in oceans or lakes, but the oceanic variety will have a saltier tang, take longer to grow and will not grow as large. They can be fairly easily cultivated, and their sweet, tart berries are a beloved addition to any dish. They can also be enjoyed raw, or ground up and dried to be steeped with tea leaves to make a quite enjoyable tea.

Shizukumi Plant

Shizukumi plants are a common sight during the rainy season in Wing Alayna. It's good to get them now, though--they quickly disappear once the season is over, and their fruits make wonderful portable water sources if you can carry them right.

Straigeg Plant

Coveted for its rich blue hues, the Straigeg fruit has many applications, from dyes to gourmet dishes, or just plucked and eaten raw. It has a refreshing, cool taste somewhat reminiscent of blueberry or blue raspberry.

Tama Aquabullas

a.k.a Tama Waterbubbles, Tamatama Aquabullas

A bit of a throwback to last year, we have another variety of the Aquabulla Plant, the Tama Aquabulla Plant! For when Yura Aquabullas aren't enough, you're lucky if you can find the larger Tama variety! They're a bit fragile, so finding and keeping them intact can be difficult, especially on long journeys. But, if you can find an intact one and have a container for them or a careful hand, they can make for convenient and larger sources of water than the tiny Yura waterbubbles.

Lila Sumita

"Oh the tales I would tell--if only I had sense to tell them."

"Whisper your love into its petals, and your one--however far in space or time--will surely hear it."

The Lila Sumita is something of a fable, said to bloom only when the lovelorn are near. In the legend of Helia and Karuha, it blooms on the hill that the protagonist declares his love on. Many have sought it out after hearing of the legend, and though they have found similar flowers, they seem in comparison quite plain--but that doesn't stop romantics from doing as the poems tell them.

I forgot to post these yesterday, so here’s the next batch!

Kanebomi Plant A tall, leafy plant found sparsely in places such as coastal Furheart Iiah, some islands near Warminia Songlianne, and the nooks between Laykia Layna and Amicaia on Wing Alayna. The Kanebomi is a delicious, somewhat savory fruit on par with the Spotil in popularity. It is often imported for cooking, and since it is so rare, is rarely enjoyed raw, even though some may argue it's just as good raw as it is cooked.

Sweetflutes Deep in the Great Buddy Forest, one may happen upon a number of colorful Sweetflutes growing. They are rather hard and glass-like, but when plucked and carved their sound is top-notch. Little maintenance is needed, but they are very hardy and may try to grow back, especially if left in a damp place or abandoned somewhere. They have been known to replant themselves if left on the ground a while, so replucking as well as recarving might be necessary for such a wayward Sweetflute.

  Vin Vinia An odd little vine with even stranger fruits. They might go good in a salad, and dried they can be used to make string or thread. They can also be used to make green dyes. It is a fairly rare plant in Wing Alayna, found only in some parts of northwest coastal Amicaia as well as deep south near (and past) the border of Laykia Layna. It is fairly common in the Reline Ah archipelago, but only found deep inland in its southern counterpart, the Fuline Ah archipelago. 

 Oisha Lalan Though perhaps a somewhat ordinary appearance in the forest, the leaves of the Oisha Lalan are quite well-known for their use in brewing a most exquisite tea. The center of the leaf has a strange, sour, almost sweet taste, balanced by the dryness and slight bitterness of its frayed edges. The plant is rather prolific, such that its leaves are rarely in short supply. It can be found in both the Great Buddy and Pachimori Forests, as well as places in Fuline and Reline Ah. 

 Belia Lunala A fluorescent flower found in Crescent Minoria. In its bell grows an epiphytic Yelia Radiani flower which helps it convert lunar light into a kind of white liquid, which gathers in its bell. This liquid serves to amplify the energy of the lunar light enough to serve the needs of both flowers, while also looking like quite a sight. The white liquid, when stored, can be used to provide light for a long time, though it is not preferred for its bright white light so much as the softer illumination from regular Radiani blossoms or other luminescent flora. The petals also have a rather sour taste, and can add an interesting flavor to tea when brewed. Being so bright yellow also makes its rather unusual slight in Crescent Minoria, as many of its flowers instead have glassy or black petals, so it can also be used as a wayfinder in the dark.

Miniwingola Lifernandes A curious flora that grows in the cloud grounds of Caela Amicaia. It can also grow in soil, but may not sprout its characteristic pair of wing-like leaves there. As such, the wingless variety is usually called by a different first name, such as Thinfrond instead of Miniwingola. Either way, they are fragrant herbs that make a great addition or garnish to any dish. The taste varies depending on the species and where it goes. The sky variety may take on a flavor like rosemary or thyme, while the ground variety sage or even parsley in wetter climates.

Omu-omu Plantai A very long-leafed plant similar to a succulent. It is often kept like an outdoor houseplant, the long leaves being tied up so they don't run along the ground and risk being trampled. In the rainier months the leaves become more cocoon-like unless intervention is made, sealing them off from receiving too much water in the rainier months, as it prefers a more arid climate. The plant can be found in Amicaia, colloquially named The Buddys’ Land, or the northern half of Wing Alayna, and on the continent of Warminia Songlianne, particularly away from the coast where it can get lots of sun without too much moisture. It is thought to originate from the latter, or perhaps a less rainy place in Wing Alayna. 

 Bigleaf Mineep (a.k.a Okipla Mineep) A small flower with a singularly large leaf. It is said that the Mineep puts all its love and care into its leaf, and neglects its flower, resulting in its pale petals and overall wilty appearance. Okipla leaves are favored in leaf-boat making for their size, and are cultivated in the palace garden to help faster production, as Buddys are strangely inept at farming, preferring to seek and gather rather than create large agricultural areas (something about liking grass too much, who knows?) A single leaf can also be broken up and used for salad, though there are some who take pity on the beloved leaf and refuse to use it.

Seafaring Mamolia As the name implies, the Seafaring Mamolia is a strange little flower that grows in the ocean (some may also be found in lakes, but then they'd be lakefaring now wouldn't they?), protecting a tiny flower with its colorful, petal-like bracts. It has a large root-float system to help keep it upright, even in boisterous waves. Strangely enough, they have seldom been seen to wash ashore naturally, and even in rare cases, never run completely aground. Though some still may help a near-washed up Mamolia get back to sea, independent as others claim the flower to be. With its many roots, bundles of them are sometimes dried and used for ropes and strings. The bracts, usually already salted by the sea, can also make quite a nice snack when dried.

Lesser Cloudia Founta (a.k.a Miniature Skypalm) A small tree-plant with palm-like bark. It has very shiny, almost metallic leaves that can be used in the creation of decorative armors, or else just as decoration. It will only grow in Sky Alayna, though it has been found in the cloud lands above Fuline Ah and it's islands as well. It is fairly easy to cultivate, but does not grow well with other plants, preferring the cloud to itself or at least with minimal nearby competition. Otherwise, it can make a fairly nice outdoor plant in one's yard or garden.

The penultimate batch of flowers! Look forward to the last one tomorrow. :)

Jara Flora While glass-like plants usually grow in Crescent Minoria, many of them can also be cultivated in the shady Great Buddy Forest. The Jara Flora is one example of this. While usually found in Crescent Minoria, it was brought over and cultivated here. Jara Flora can make convenient storage and can be tied up by means of the tendrils on the plant's sepals. Usually though a little extra work is needed to make the jar waterproof, but since the petals are made of a sort of malleable glass-like material, sometimes the petals just need to be pressed together tightly and hardened, but a little sap between and over the petal seams can go a long way. Generally though they're used as dry storage unless for vases, in which case the former process is used. Even without doing anything though, they can usually maintain small amounts of water fairly well. Waterbubbles are often stored in Jara Flora to bring home, or else carry for a walk without needing to worry about accidentally breaking them.

Clusteria The fruits are favored in jams. Raw they can be pretty tart, tasting a bit like strawberry, blackberry or grape depending on the ripeness and season. They are usually found in northwestern Amicaia, as well as deep south beyond the mountains, near or on the border of Laykia Layna. Left unattended, though, the ones on the border don't grow quite as well as the ones up north, which can be left pretty much unattended.

Lulia Pathvine One of the three types of Pathvines. Here and there across JI grow enormous vines, bridging land and sky. They are hubs for travelers going up to Sky Buddy World or down to the land, in this case, Wing Alayna. They are meeting places, since are easy to spot; landmarks, and ancient plants that have seen many come and go, and survived many a Buddy-Shadow War. Powercloud drivers get a lot of their business near Pathvines, as a climb up the vine alone is arduous at least and impossible at best. Pathvines also serve to bridge the cultures of Winged Amicans and the non-winged, representing harmony. All in all, it's common knowledge that if you want to get to Sky Amicaia, find a Pathvine. You can either get a ride up from there, or have a little fun climbing a giant vine and then probably getting a ride anyway once you've given up trying to scale it by yourself.

Furubara & Stafflant For a long time, the Furubara (left) and Stafflant (right) were considered to be one plant, called the Furubara Stafflant. However, research has come out that this is not the case... in some cases. Reports have come out about Furubara vines growing from Stafflant plants, so the issue may be more complicated than first supposed. However, the two plants are rarely if ever seen growing apart, particularly naturally. The current consensus is that they are strongly symbiotic plants that either can merge or appear to be merged together at times. Whatever the consensus, though, the Furubara is enjoyable for its sweet and yet spicy, cinnamon-like taste. The Stafflant does not have the best taste, but can definitely be used as a more durable water supply than a Waterbubble fruit, though it can crush when pressed enough. If bits of the Stafflant head are sweetened, they are not terrible in a salad.

Yelia Belia A rain-gathering flower that grows during the rainy season. Its flower can be detached and used as storage. It will continue growing back as long as the rainy season lasts, but once it ends, the flower closes up, so it's customary to leave its flower be at the end of the rainy reason. But for those who've brought their own containers, the flower can be easily tipped to fill them up as much as needed. It is said the flower survives on affection when rain water is scarce, allowing Amicans to take as much water from it as they need, so long as they care for it.

Lifi Kleeflower This lily pad-like flower has a very sweet center, that, when the inside of it is exposed to air, quickly hardens into a crystal-like shape. However, it can be melted down and made into a syrup, though usually other ingredients are added to keep it from crystallizing again when it cools. The petals are mostly decorative, but they do have a mildly sweet taste, so they can make an interesting garnish on a desert, especially crystallized in a thin coat of its bud's syrup. The petals keep fairly well as well, so they are even occasionally seen in costumes made or worn by the fashionable Spinning Amicans. The syrup could technically also be used to sculpt the flowers into non-eating decorations, but with their sweet taste they probably wouldn't last long.

Rolawayva Pichi This plant is well-known for both its leaves and its fruit. The Pichi fruit tastes like a sweet peach, but with a hint of banana around the stripes. The leaves, though usually tasteless on their own, make great wraps, though they may need to be softened a little first as raw can taste a bit rubbery unless you get them young or grow them just right. Nevertheless, if you ever get a wrap in Buddy World, you're likely get something rolled in a Rola leaf.

Patternias

A rare, exotic flower found in the recesses of Furheart Iiah, the depths of Warminia Songlianne, and a rare sighting indeed in Amicaia, Wing Alayna. Highly sought after for its patterned petals, which, when consumed by Fashion Buddys, enable them to produce patterned thread. Which pattern depends on the petal consumed, and there are many different combinations that can be made by consuming multiple. It can get a little unpredictable if you're after a lot of thread, so patterned petals are often saved and traded among the Fashion Buddys depending on who needs what pattern.

Crescia Yoruana A slow-growing, nocturnal plant that grows in shady places such as forests and under overhangs. Though its crescents may fool you into thinking it grows in Crescent Minoria, you'd be surprised to find it only on select islands near it, and looking quite different. Yoruanas that grow close to C.M. get glassy stems and leaves, and if they bear fruit at all, they are much harder, though still tasty if boiled soft. The most common place to find them is Wing Alayna, and even then they're quite rare. There have been some sightings of it on islands near Furheart Iiah, as well, but these also take on some different characteristics, throwing skepticism on the idea that the islandic Gapponian variant of the plant is even the same species at all, or only a plant that is either related or looks similar. Either way, if you can get your hands on the elusive plant and its fruit, you'll find quite the dish can be made from it if you're feeling particularly decadent. Also called the Night Spotil, it shares many of its traits with the renowned staple fruit, though some say it tastes more melon-like than the more appley Spotil. The ones near Crescent Minoria, if you find one soft enough or steam it lightly, taste almost like jellybeans. Others of the Wing Alayna variety have been reported to be more grape-like in flavor, and some think it has to do with the phase of the moon or the time of year when it grows. Either way, its glowing crescents (which can also be half moons, full moons and so forth depending on when these spots form) hold their phosphorescent quality even after being cooked, so many a fantastic and delicious dish can be made merely by using the spots and some of the flesh as an addition to any dish that you want to be absolutely radiant when prepared... quite literally.

Holo Senia Usually found near water. Found in Koraln Sing and parts of Wing Alayna. Its hollow center allows it to send and receive its windblown pollen and seeds easier, which is especially important in Wing Alayna where they are scarce. The petals and leaves are often used for tea, and the petals in particular give a slightly sour taste to an otherwise mild tea.

Some flowers for today!

Mewgaana Mamolia

Another member of the Mamolia family, this flower can be found growing on Mewga Island, though its relatives are thought to be found on Furheart Iiah as well. Though primarily decorative, pieces of the petals can be used to make sweeteners for tea. Since the petals are quite large for Buddys, the whole flower is rarely used, instead being left to restore itself after some pieces are taken.

Korana Minia

These strange aquatic flowers can be found growing on the continent of Koraln Sing. They prefer tropical waters, somewhat shallow, so that the tallest of them might be able to reach the surface. Though they can be found growing deeper as well. Though purple is its most common color, it can be found in navy blue, dark green, dark red, and even dark yellow. Its color usually depends on where it grows, with its deep sea cousins usually being darker colors than the shallower water ones. Within their blossoms they grow a somewhat heavy liquid reminiscent of cough syrup. The flavor is not favored by most, so they are mostly grown for beauty.

Today's plant, the Finvine! Quirky little plant it is. I probably coulda done more on it buuuut I'm getting to that point where if I want to stay on top of this I gotta be quick. 😅 Keep reading for more flora info!

Finvine

This fin-shaped aquatic plant is found in 4 out the 7 oceans in JI, and plentifully in the Koran Sea. It can even be found in bodies of water on the continent of Koraln Sing, but it is definitely a saltwater plant. It is never found in freshwater. The clear webbing between the rays of the fin are beloved for making gelatin, but they sometimes have a sour taste to them. This seems to be particular to where and how it's grown, though, so some varieties are milder with almost no taste. The Finvine generally prefers shallower waters where it can still receive ample amounts of sunlight. The shallower the better, though it will look quite limp if not fully submerged. Gelatin made from the Finvine is often served as a snack with tea. The main body of the plant is even known to be used in tea, though its salty taste may be disagreeable to some, adding the webbing to it seems to ease the taste a little, and can make for an interesting surprise if the tea is allowed to set.

Vahna Aquabulla

The third member of the Aquabulla (colloquial name: Waterbubble) family. Found in the Great Buddy Lake along with its other relatives, the distinctive feature of this variety is its vein-like structures which anchor its bubble to the plant. Given time, these bubbles detach and float to the surface, sometimes leaving behind the veiny structures, or having them come with if the plant detaches from the stem. Slightly more travel-friendly than Tama Aquabullas, Vahnas are known to have a slightly bitter taste, probably due to the fact that more plant matter tends to accompany them to the surface than their less veiny counterparts. As such, they are generally less preferred in use, but are more favored as houseplants by Aqua Buddys than their land counterparts.

Korana Alnia

The larger, solitary relative of Korana Minia. Similar to the Minia, the Alnia stores a heavy, syrupy liquid like that of cough syrup. It has a sweet, medicinal taste that tends not to mesh well with other flavors. While it's culinary use is not yet fully understood, it is generally appreciated more for its aesthetics.

Alnias are always found on flat corals, and for a while it was thought that the plant itself was a hybrid of coral and plant. However, it is now understood that the plant is merely epiphytic and has a symbiotic relationship with the corals it grows on.

Alnias prefer to grow in warm, shallow water, with plenty of access to sunlight. It is thought that the taste of its nectar is stronger the deeper the plant grows. It is definitely known, however, that ones that grow deeper tend to be smaller than those that grow in shallower water.

They are found near Koraln Sing and in some of its interior basins.

Winfiddle Lilyhead

A hybrid between the Lar and Lilyhead families, Winfiddle Lilyheads can be found in bodies of water near and on the continent of Fuline Ah as well as in and around Laykia Layna. They have been known to wander out to sea much like Seafaring Mamolias, though they are not thought to be too closely related. They are much closer to Lifi Kleeflowers as they both share the lilypad trait, even though Winfiddle Lilyheads lack the clear petals and purple stem that Kleeflowers are known for.

There is not much to be said for their taste, but as they tend to stay close to land, they're often a good signal for sailors that they are close to land.

Stipa Grangania

The Grangania is an underwater plant that grows on nutrient-rich Gangan rocks. Its fruit is a delicacy beloved by Aqua Buddys, though land Buddys say it has a rather salty taste to it. It has a sweetness to it unparalleled by other aquatic plants according to the Aqua Buddys though. Though some Granganias have more a savory taste, they say. After its discovery, it quickly became a staple food in the aquatic community. Due to its ubiquitousness in Aqua Buddy culture, it is often known as the Spotil of the sea. Despite this, it is actually quite rare in the wild, having only become a staple once it could be reliably farmed.

Darania Aquabulla

I ran out of time today so info and finished pic will be tomorrow hopefully. For now, enjoy this sketch. The Aquabullas are some of my favorites. I was a little worried starting out with them since the first tends to be my weakest, but I wasn't disappointed by my progress on it. Stay tuned for more flowers.

Wooo, caught up today! Second one's a bit impressionistic... Not sure if leveling it helped or made it worse. Welp! Onto the info.

Darania Aquabulla

Found in the shallower areas of the Great Buddy Lake and areas of equal depth in the calmer parts of the Great Buddy River. Like its relatives, the Darania Aquabulla grow rather fast from seed and begin growing their fruit. They tend to grow in units of four, but may often grow more or less. Their aquabulla fruits detach easily from their stem and float to the surface. Taste-wise, Darania Aquabulla fruits are known for their floral overtone and are a beloved medium for tea.

Busha Blosomas with Vina Heartias

A bushy, low-growing flower that tends to grow in groves with Vina Heartia vines on Furheart Iiah. So far not much is known about them, but they make quite nice decorations. They are often associated with the sea, as they must be imported from Furheart Iiah if one wants to see them in Wing Alayna. They are said to carry the memories of the sailors they've been with and the journeys they've been on.

Despite being native to a warm environment, Busha Blosomas adapt fairly well to cooler weather. That said, they don't take well to northern Wing Alayna soil, but there has been some success growing them on the south side of the Great Buddy Mountains where they can receive some shelter from the rain.

Vina Heartias are one of Furheart Iiah's signature plants, along with the Furheartia plant. It is unclear what their relationship with Busha Blosomas are or why they are found to be growing near or around them. It is thought they have something of a symbiotic relationship, but the details are unclear. They do, however, have similar preferences, with the caveat that Vina Heartias are much more finicky about their environment. With effort they can be grown in Wing Alayna, but due to various environmental factors, Vina Heartias grown there will be green.

Perloa Alnia

A relative of the Alnia family, Perloa Alnias tend to form a hardened ball in their centers as opposed to the more syrupy 'fruits' of the Korana Alnia and Korana Minia. The outside of it is much sweeter especially, and the inside of it is much more mild-tasting than the somewhat bitter taste of Korana Alnia syrup. Either way, it is less common than its relatives and thus a celebrated find when discovered.

Like other Alnias, the Perloa Alnia may be found typically off the coast of Koraln Sing in semi-shallow waters. Like its larger relative, the Korana Alnia, it also prefers growing on toadstool coral.

There have also been occasional sightings of it in the Girinia Warmsea off the south coast of Furheart Iiah towards Warminia Songlianne, which could explain the pink coloration of many of the specimens. In addition, there have also been sightings further out into the Buddy Ocean between Wing Alayna and Koraln Sing.

Seaberry Tamamo

The berries produced by the Seaberry Tamamo are sometimes used for paint and dye in Aqua Buddy society, as the pigment doesn't wash away so easily.

As the berries absorb a lot of salt in their native habitat, they aren't much for taste. They have a slightly sour note underneath the salty layer, but are not very sweet.

The seas of JI hold many secrets, and its residents are not always so quick to report their findings to the land dwellers. Though an uncommon type of seaweed, the Seaberry Tamamo was not completely unknown to Aqua Buddys. Though it was likely discovered by them long before it caught any land dweller's eye, an official study and documentation of the Seaberry Tamamo is still ongoing.

Magna Submariana

There is currently only one known specimen of the Magna Submariana, and it exists in the Great Buddy Lake. It is thought to be as old as the lake itself and to hold some great significance to it. Though its role is not fully understood, its other name is Magna Cortiana, and historical records refer to it as "The Heart of the Great Buddy Lake." Locals revere it and dare not touch it, believing calamity may befall the lake were anything to happen to the Magna Submariana deep within it.