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The Herbarium

A Field Guide to Real and Imaginary Plants

Cloudbreath

Antiqua radix

Antiquaceae (the Ancient family)

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Description

A succulent storing water in thick, fleshy leaves. Compound pinnate leaves with 7-13 leaflets arranged alternately.

Large, solitary blooms open at dusk and close before dawn, colored twilight blue. Blooms in the presence of kindness.

Habitat

Thrives in coastal dunes and salt-spray zones.

Traditional Uses

The root makes a mordant dye ranging from grey to silver depending on preparation.

Folklore

Believed to mark the boundaries between the seen and unseen worlds.

Similar Species

Distinguished from Duskherb.

Conservation

Status unknown - more surveys needed.

Field Notes

A hand lens reveals details invisible to the naked eye.