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The Goldrush Jelly Tree

Name: Goldrush Jelly Tree, aka "Goldrush"

Size: Medium

Region: Jungle

Lifespan: 8-12 years

Appearance

The goldrush jelly tree is a strange little tree with a misnomer. Only botanists can really tell if the plant is actually a tree, as there appear to be no leaves present. Instead, the entire top of the plant is a dome shape, much like that of a mushroom and made up of running sap. This gives the plant its name, as the dome shines like glistening golden jelly under the sun. Were anyone to stick a head through the falling sap, they would also find a thick brown trunk that looks very much like that of a giant fungus.

Behaviour

The goldrush appears to be a self-sustaining system in that the sap constantly seeping out of the top is immediately re-absorbed by the goldrush once it lands on the ground. It does take energy from the sun and other nutrients from the jungle debris caught by the sap's stickiness, such as leaves and insects which are broken down and absorbed in the base of the trunk, but many botanists believe these are 'luxuries' rather than necessary to the plant's survival.

Diet: The goldrush jelly tree survives mostly by re-absorbing the nutrients leaked out through its own sap, but does also take in jungle debris such as leaves and insects which are then broken down and absorbed inside the base of the trunk.

Habitat: The goldrush is found only in Yondallar Rainforest, in clearings where the hot sun beams directly onto the ground.

Special Information

Uses:

• The goldrush is considered to be self-sustaining and is subsequently of great interest to certain groups investigating ways to elongate lifespans.
• However, of perhaps more interest is the sap, or 'jelly', of the goldrush tree. With the consistency of syrup or honey, the jelly tastes incredibly sweet and is said to prolong life, being used in many herbal concoctions as both a catalyst in healing potions and a sweetener for the fouler medicines. Consuming goldrush jelly when no cure is necessary is considered a sign of status among the older and wealthier families, but is now frowned upon by younger generations.

Creator: Emma