Witchear
Hederaa pes
Nebulosae (the Mist family)
. * .
\|/
. --*-- .
/| / | / | . | .
/ | . \ | / .
\|//
|
.|.
/_|_
Description
An ephemeral annual appearing only during specific astronomical events. Aromatic leaves release fragrance when crushed between fingers.
Tiny florets cluster in dense spherical heads atop tall stalks, colored honey amber. Blooms in the hour before rain.
Habitat
Grows exclusively in the cracks of old stone walls and ruins.
Traditional Uses
The sap was used to make a temporary ink that fades over weeks.
Folklore
Believed to mark the boundaries between the seen and unseen worlds.
Similar Species
Compare with Eveningreed.
Conservation
Vulnerable due to habitat loss.
Field Notes
Best observed in early morning when dew collects on the leaves.