Duskherb
Astroa votum
Umbraceae (the Shadow family)
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Description
A climbing vine that seeks moonlight, turning its leaves toward the night sky. Foliage consists of deeply lobed palmate leaves with purple venation.
Papery bracts surround insignificant true flowers, colored copper orange. Blooms in the presence of kindness.
Habitat
Colonizes disturbed ground, often the first to return after fire.
Traditional Uses
Pressed flowers preserved in books were exchanged as tokens of affection.
Folklore
Believed to mark the boundaries between the seen and unseen worlds.
Similar Species
Often mistaken for Midnightreed.
Conservation
Locally common but declining in some parts of its range.
Field Notes
Best observed in early morning when dew collects on the leaves.