Name: "Saffron" (Crocus sativus)
Category: Useful
Size: Small
Region: Desert , Wasteland
Lifespan: 1 – 6 months
Appearance
A light violet color, Saffron grows close to the ground and does not produce any leaves, which is rumored to be why the plant has such a short lifespan. Its stem is a light sea green. Inside the flower, the stigma, antlers, and filaments all vary in colors from red to black and yellow, depending on the variety. It is the filaments which are the source of the Saffron's beneficial abilities, however, a mass quantity is needed for any medicinal production. The plant usually produces 5–7 petals.
Habitat:
This plant requires a calm solitude, as it is observed that noise makes the petals wilt, and harsh gusts of wind will uproot the plant. It needs only a few drops of water to begin sprouting, and prefers dusty, sandy soil, with harsh sunlight and smothering heat.
Reproduction:
Despite its high value, this plant is more trouble than it's worth to propagate by unnatural means. It does not produce roots but instead sends out runners to reproduce asexually along any adequate soil it finds. Because of its low lifespan, the conditions must be near perfect for it to reproduce successfully before it dies.
Special Information
Strengths/Abilities:
- Pretty
- Requires little water
Weaknesses:
- Short lifespan
- Is very picky about its growing conditions
- Is near impossible to reproduce outside the wilderness
- Intolerant to noise
Uses:
- Many, many filaments are gathered and crushed into a semi-smooth paste. When ingested or applied topically, saffron kills foreign bodies and bodily non-native substances and helps the body heal 1.5 to 2 times faster than it would on its own. However, because it fights all foreign bodies, any other medications taken will also be cancelled out.
The user often finds themselves feeling extremely hungry while taking Saffron as it is theorized that the medication also considers ingested food to be 'foreign'.
Because of its non-compatibility with other medications and the high price tag, it is normally used soley on its own for a brief time, and then normal medications are swapped in and used instead. Typical uses include:
Battling cancer
Fighting off sicknesses caused by virus or bacteria
Killing internal parasites
Nullifying internal or bloodstream poisons and toxins
Fighting infections
As an antibacterial
For faster healing
- A petal or two can be added to a soup to produce a tangy flavor that will numb your mouth, lips, and tongue within an hour.
Origin: It is a native species.
Other Info:
- This flower is rare, requires very specific climates, is hard to reproduce unnaturally, and has an extremely short lifespan. It is extremely expensive.
- Because of its price, saffron is rumored to be a panacea for all diseases, ailments, and problems, though this is false.
- It is rumored that the petals of the flower are even more beneficial than the filaments. However, this too is false, but has brought in quite a bounty for Saffron sellers.
- Additionally, it is said that consuming a 4-petaled flower whole will bring the eater exorbitant luck of extraordinary means. However, only one 4-petaled flower has ever been recorded. This flower was actually eaten by its finder, who was recorded as dying alone, poor, and miserable.
- It is said that the plant is a cure-all; this too is false. Its uses are limited to the list above.
Creator: series
