The Schellese woodpod is a hardy, fruit-bearing shrub widespread across the western icosachores of Esgaia. Known for its reliability, the shrub produces abundant fruit from May until late October. Its peak consumption occurs in October, when the pods are typically boiled or roasted with carite salt.

Etymology

From English demonym Schellese and wood + pod.

Morphology

The shrub is low and wide, rarely taller than 1.2 meters but often spreading 2 to 4 meters across. Leaves are upright, grass-like, and rigid. Flowers are discreet, dark yellow or gray. Fruits grow in paired pods with a woody, break-resistant exterior. Once opened, each pod reveals the edible “fruit” — technically seeds — in shades of brown to dark yellow.

Physiology

Adapted to nutrient-poor soils and low hydration.

Mechanisms

Spreads clonally by root extension to form resilient thickets.

Behavior

Life Cycle

The shrub flowers and fruits on a four-month cycle, with blossoms appearing in midsummer and pods maturing by late autumn.

Ecology

Pollination is carried out by featherflies (especially crawling and wood featherflies) and dwarf finbirds. Its ecological role includes stabilizing soil against erosion in coastal and interior environments.