Karo

About

Common Names

Karo

Classification

Fruit bearing tree

Description

A tall straight trunked tree with a wide canopy, long ridge-like root walls spread out from the base, anchoring the tree in the limited topsoil. The tree produces large globular fruits which are a staple of the Sildaryn diet.

Ecology

Rarity

Common

Distribution

Tropical to temperate forests, of Eastern Annexea.

Life Cycle

These trees take approximately ten years to reach maturity and begin producing fruit in abundance. Seeds are spread naturally by animals who eat the fresh or fallen fruit.

Uses

Cultivation

The Sildaryn intentionally propagate these trees along their migratory routes, to ensure a regular supply of the fruits throughout their cyclical travels.

Culinary

Fruit - The fruit of the Karo provides an excellent source of protein and starch. Used as a primary food ingredient in many meals.

Seeds - The seeds of the Karo can be pressed to produce a useful cooking oil.

Medicinal

Other

History

Cultural

The Karo features in the mythology of the Sildaryn as an early food crop, gifted to the people by the mytho-historical figure Neelam.

Religious

The gifting of a dozen Karo seeds features in Sildaryn wedding ceremonies, wherein the husband to be shows that he can provide for his new wife and any children they may have. These seeds are then planted, one per month, along the migration route of the couple's hinta.

Stories

Songs of Neelam