Alias: Firehand, Emberfrond
Origin: Inland Thazvaar (deserts)
The Ashpalm is a resilient desert plant native to the arid expanses of Inland Thazvaar, known for its ability to thrive in extreme heat and poor soil conditions. Its fire-resistant fronds and ember-like seed pods make it a symbol of endurance in Thazvaari culture, often used in survival practices by local tribes and expedition teams. The plant’s ability to store heat and release it during cooler nights creates micro-habitats for small desert fauna, contributing to the ecosystem’s stability. Its seeds were historically harvested for emergency rations during the Fracture era (~2,000 YBM), and its fronds are still used for insulation in temporary shelters.
The Ashpalm is found primarily in the Infinitude Deserts of Inland Thazvaar, where stalled jet streams and Zhaerys’ magnetic field create vast, migrating dune systems. It grows in hardpan and sandy soils, often anchoring itself in shallow bedrock to resist desert winds. The plant is absent in coastal Thazvaar due to its inability to tolerate saline conditions.
Ashpalms are typically found at low elevations, ranging from sea level to 1 km, where desert heat is most intense. They are rarely seen above 1.5 km, as higher altitudes in Thazvaar’s desert regions experience temperature drops incompatible with the plant’s heat-dependent metabolism.
Inland Thazvaar’s desert climate averages 30–50°C during the day, with nighttime drops to 10–20°C. The Ashpalm thrives in this extreme heat, relying on Zhaerys’ influence to maintain consistent aridity. Its presence diminishes in regions affected by tidal flooding or rare monsoons, which disrupt its water-averse root system.
The Ashpalm withstands frequent dust storms and heat displacement caused by Thazvaar’s stalled jet streams. Its fronds are adapted to channel wind, reducing erosion around its base, and its seed pods release during rare post-storm moisture spikes, ensuring propagation. Seismic activity in Thazvaar can uproot younger plants, but mature Ashpalms remain stable.
Ashpalms have a lifespan of 50–80 Geban years, with slow growth in the first decade and steady frond production thereafter. They reach maturity at 15 Geban years, producing viable seeds annually during brief post-storm blooms.
Mature Ashpalms range from 2–4 meters in height, with fronds extending up to 1.5 meters outward. Younger plants (under 10 Geban years) are typically 0.5–1 meter tall, with compact frond clusters to conserve water.
The Ashpalm’s heat-storing properties make it a critical resource in Inland Thazvaar’s harsh deserts, but overharvesting during the Warlord Eras (~500–17 YBM) reduced its population in heavily trafficked regions. Expedition teams are advised to monitor for seismic activity, as uprooted Ashpalms can indicate unstable terrain. Its absence in coastal Thazvaar limits its utility in maritime operations.