Shadowbreath
Hederaa folium
Lunaraceae (the Moon family)
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Description
An aquatic plant floating on still water with submerged root systems. Foliage consists of deeply lobed palmate leaves with purple venation.
Flowers have six tepals and emit a faint bioluminescent glow, colored honey amber. Blooms after long silences.
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
Legend says it first grew where a falling star touched earth.
Similar Species
Resembles Goblinhope.
Conservation
Locally common but declining in some parts of its range.
Field Notes
Sometimes forms fairy rings in undisturbed locations.