Witchhazel
Filicia semen
Memoriae (the Memory family)
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Description
A climbing vine that seeks moonlight, turning its leaves toward the night sky. Needle-like foliage arranged in spirals along the stem.
Flowers have six tepals and emit a faint bioluminescent glow, colored frost blue. Blooms at dawn on equinoxes.
Habitat
Native to high alpine screes above the treeline.
Traditional Uses
The seeds were carried as charms for safe travel.
Folklore
Said to be beloved by bees from hives that produce the clearest honey.
Similar Species
Compare with Moondew.
Conservation
Possibly extinct in the wild - surviving only in botanical gardens.
Field Notes
Best observed in early morning when dew collects on the leaves.