The salic mafera is a towering relative of the common mafera. Unlike its cafrite-adapted cousin, it thrives in the soils of southwestern Esgaia rather than Yalia’s rocky, mineral-rich terrain.

Etymology

From Latin salix (“willow”) and from proto-Esgaian ma- (“fruit”).

Morphology

The salic mafera reaches heights of twenty to thirty meters. It has a flat canopy with larger, drooping branches. Its trunk grows more upright. The bark is rough and dark, lacking the aromatic inner layers of its cafrite-adapted relative. Leaves are larger, lighter in color, and less waxy than the common mafera. Flowers are large, though few develop into fruit. Salic maferfruit are smaller than common maferfruit, with dry, bitter flesh.

Physiology

Does not generate the prized cafer-mafer spice due to the absence of cafrite in its environment.

Behavior

Life Cycle

In ideal conditions, salic maferas can live for well over a century.

Social Structure

Ethereal presence and flowing canopy make it a favored habitat.

Ecology

Its drooping branches and expansive canopy provide nesting sites for Esgaian featherflies, which in turn assist in pollination and propagation. Propagation is aided by featherfly activity.