Baithur's Bloom

About

Common Names

Baithur's Bloom, Pio Baithur Un (Waejir)

Classification

Flower

Description

One of two similar flowers, this is the orange counterpart to Aesat’s Bloom. Baithur's Bloom forms large patches and grows a singular stem that can reach a height of up to 4 metres. This plant is adorned with multi-petal 5 centimetre rosettes of orange flowers, with velvety blade-like petals, which form in clusters that branch from the primary stem. The surface of the main stem is smooth and has a violet colour which is darkest at the growing tip, and fades to green at the base. The fibrous roots are smooth and orange in colour. The plant's leaves form in clusters of seven compound structures of spear pointed leaflets with a sinuate margins, a sticky upper surface, a waxy underside, pinnate venation, and a green colouration.

Ecology

Rarity

Common

Distribution

Baithur's Bloom grows best in open spaces with plenty of sun. Commonly found in tropical savanna and grassland, and less common in more northerly latitudes and drier climates.

Life Cycle

Baithur's Bloom flowers once every five years on average, and produces small violet berries, which are eaten by small birds and reptiles who disperse the seeds through their droppings

Related Species

Aesat's Bloom

Uses

Cultivation

These flowers are often grown by the temples of Baithur in Waejir.

Culinary

There are no remarkable culinary uses for this plant, although the flowers are edible in the raw form.

Medicinal

• Aphrodisiac - The bark of the stems is scraped and powdered for use in love potions, and is reported to raise a male’s sexual desire and energy.
• Analgesic - The roots of this plant can be used to produce a mild analgesic salve, useful for sore muscles and general aches.

Other

• Perfume - Baithur’s Bloom has a slightly musky scent, and is often employed as a perfume ingredient for men.

History

Cultural

This is a common flower at weddings, and it is associated with the Waejiran god Baithur.

Religious

Cultivated by temples of Baithur in Waejir, these plants are used for various ceremonial purposes by the clergy.