Alias: Coasthorn
Origin: Coastal Thazvaar (deserts, coastal dunes)
The Dusthorn, also known as Coasthorn, is a low-growing, gray shrub native to the coastal deserts and dunes of Thazvaar. Its dew-condensing thorns and bitter, edible pulp make it a critical survival resource in arid coastal regions. The plant condenses moisture from fog and retains it in its thorny structure, supporting small desert fauna and contributing to coastal ecosystem stability. Thazvaari tribes used its pulp for sustenance and its thorns for temporary fencing. Presence indicates stable, dew-rich microclimates useful for ecological surveys and expedition planning.
Thrives in sandy dunes and hardpan soils where stalled jet streams and Zhaerys’ magnetic field create arid, fog-prone conditions. Anchors in shallow sandy substrates and stabilizes dunes against wind erosion. Absent from inland extreme deserts and humid wetlands.
Found at low elevations, typically sea level to 0.5 km. Rare above 1 km where fog and saline conditions are lacking.
Coastal desert climate averaging 20–40°C by day with nights of 10–20°C. Relies on Zhaerys’ influence for aridity and coastal fog for moisture. Struggles where heavy tidal flooding or high humidity disrupts dew-condensing function.
Adapted to frequent dust storms and heat displacement. Thorns channel wind to reduce erosion and fog-heavy nights trigger dew condensation. Seismic events can destabilize roots; rare stellar disruptions may scorch exposed shrubs.
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 produces viable seeds during rare post-storm moisture spikes.
Mature plants reach 0.5–1 meter in height, with sprawling branches up to 1.5 meters wide. Young plants (under 5 Geban years) are typically 0.2–0.5 meters tall, with compact thorn clusters to conserve moisture.
The Dusthorn’s dew-condensing thorns made it a vital resource in Coastal Thazvaar’s arid dunes, particularly during the Era of Absolute Expansion (~3,000 YBM) when it supported coastal survival. Overharvesting during the Warlord Eras (~500–17 YBM) reduced populations in trafficked coastal zones. Expedition teams should monitor for seismic activity, as uprooted Dusthorns indicate unstable dunes. Its limited range outside coastal deserts restricts its utility in humid or inland biomes.