Nightcup
Lunaa folium
Umbraceae (the Shadow family)
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Description
A low-growing perennial forming dense mats in shaded areas. Leaves are translucent and veined with gold, visible when backlit.
Five-petaled blooms spiral open in a Fibonacci pattern, colored midnight black. Blooms after long silences.
Habitat
Found only near standing stones and ancient earthworks.
Traditional Uses
Dried flowers were burned as incense during ceremonies.
Folklore
Children believed it could reveal hidden paths through forests.
Similar Species
Compare with Goblinreed.
Conservation
Locally common but declining in some parts of its range.
Field Notes
A hand lens reveals details invisible to the naked eye.