Coasthorn (Spina arida)

Alias: Dustthorn
Origin: Coastal Thazvaar (deserts, coastal dunes)

The Coasthorn, also known as Dustthorn, is a low-growing gray shrub of Coastal Thazvaar’s deserts and dunes. Its dew-condensing thorns and bitter, edible pulp provide critical survival resources in arid coastal regions. The plant condenses fog moisture into its thorny structure and retains it for small fauna. Thazvaari tribes used its pulp for sustenance and its thorns for temporary fencing. Its presence indicates stable, dew-rich microclimates useful for surveys and expedition planning.

Lifespan

Lives 15–30 Geban years, with slow growth in the first 5 years and steady thorn production thereafter. Reaches maturity at ~7 Geban years and seeds after rare post-storm moisture spikes.

Uses

• Sustenance: Bitter, edible pulp provides nutrient-rich food for desert travelers.
• Fencing: Thorns harvested for temporary fencing to protect camps.
• Ecological indicator: Presence signals dew-rich, stable coastal microclimates for surveys.
• Cultural use: Thazvaari tribes use Coasthorn thorns in rituals symbolizing survival.
• Guidance: Extract dew after fog for hydration; avoid pulp during seismic events due to ash contamination risk.