THE FLORA OF VELEN

[HighLariousKitty 87]

THE FLORA OF VELEN

A Scientific Report on the Illena Orchid

 

15th of Snow’s Maiden, 1969 E.S.

 

Written by

GUINEVERE OF VELEN

Located on Mount St. Alexander, within the scenic vistas surrounding Castle Kostriz, thrives a botanical rarity. Under the tutelage of my mother, the Margravine of Velen, I have completed an exhaustive study of this flora, which henceforth bears the name "Ilena Orchid" in honor of my esteemed grandmother, Philippa Illena, and beloved sister. 

 

Endemic solely to Mount St. Alexander, the Ilena Orchid distinguishes itself from its counterparts through meticulous comparison with the common blue orchid species prevalent in Balian and other warmer climates. It stands as a testament to the divergent evolutionary trajectories shaped by differing ecological niches.

 

Unlike its epiphytic counterpart in Balian, the Ilena Orchid thrives in the formidable environs of the Velenic plateau. Evolving to endure the rigors of cold winters, its robust roots traverse the upper strata of soil, affording insulation against freezing temperatures without reliance on external support structures. Notably, the scant two-foot layer of soil overlaying substantial bedrock beneath facilitates anchorage with roots against winds, ensuring steadfastness amidst inclement weather.

 

Morphologically, the Ilena Orchid presents elongated, strap-like leaves arranged in an alternating pattern along its stem, culminating in blue petals. These floral displays, adorned with a conspicuous lip, serve as perches for indigenous pollinators. Emitting a fragrant bouquet characterized by sweet, citrusy nuances underscored by floral accents, the orchid entices local pollinators integral to its reproductive cycle. Scent intensity, peaking towards late summer, mirrors the orchid's life cycle.

 

As winter descends, the Ilena Orchid enters a period of dormancy, marking the culmination of its reproductive efforts and ensuring the perpetuation of its lineage through dispersed seeds that are strong enough to survive the cold ground. Additionally, the Ilena Orchid is the only flower strong enough to thrive in Velen without the help of gardeners, making it the sole flora of this region. 

 

Thus, I close this report with a plea to my brother. Leufroy, as the fire for the Aschenwald burns bright with your future, take care to keep these vibrant and symbolic flowers alive. They will be the first of hopefully many in a blossoming ecosystem as cultivation for new flora begins in the ash of your forest. They should be protected as a growing symbol of Velen pride. 

☩ VELENA AETERNA EST. ☩

 

[zuziee 4004]

Marlene of Merryweather congratulated her daughter upon her first publishing "Maybe you can classify all of Aaun's unique flora soon, ich am sure more then Velen has orchids."

[TheHeftyDonut 706]

"We are writers now. Ja!" The young, Siegmunda proclaimed, smiling at her sister and mother.