Alias: Raincatcher
Origin: Berinu/Coastal Thazvaar (humid lowlands, river deltas)
The Berinu Riverhold, also known as the Raincatcher, is a distinctive plant native to the humid lowlands and river deltas of Berinu and coastal Thazvaar. Its large, bowl-shaped rosettes collect liters of water, creating micro-habitats for insects and small aquatic organisms and supporting wetland biodiversity. Historically, Berinese and Thazvaari tribes relied on the plant as a critical water source during dry seasons. It remains a vital resource for expedition teams navigating flood-prone regions. Its presence indicates stable, water-rich environments and makes it a key marker for ecological surveys.
Thrives in the humid lowlands and mineral-rich river deltas of Berinu and in coastal marshes of Thazvaar. Prefers saturated, silty soils near rivers or floodplains where deep roots anchor against tidal surges and seasonal flooding. Absent in arid deserts and high-altitude regions.
Found at low elevations, typically sea level to 0.5 km. Rare above 1 km where moisture is insufficient.
Berinu’s warm temperate to subtropical climate, averaging 15–30°C, supports growth. High humidity from southern stellar influences fosters lush vegetation. Coastal Thazvaar’s tidal influences create similar conditions with occasional saline surges.
Adapted to seasonal rains and convection winds that deliver nutrient-rich floods to deltas. Withstands frequent flooding and tidal anomalies from Thazvaar’s proximity. Rare stellar disruptions (Izhara’s plasma storms) can damage exposed rosettes. Bowl-like rosettes efficiently collect rainwater.
Lives 20–40 Geban years. Rapid rosette development in the first 5 years. Reaches maturity at ~7 Geban years and produces viable seeds during wet seasons.
Mature plants reach 1–2 meters in height with rosettes spanning 0.5–1 meter in diameter. Young plants (under 5 Geban years) are typically 0.3–0.8 meters tall.
The Berinu Riverhold’s water-storing capacity made it critical in Berinu and coastal Thazvaar, particularly during the Era of Absolute Expansion (~3,000 YBM) when it supported early settlements. Overharvesting in coastal Thazvaar during the Warlord Eras (~500–17 YBM) reduced populations near contested deltas. Expedition teams should monitor tidal influences, as saline contamination can render stored water unusable. Its range outside wetlands is limited.