Shifting as the moon does, the Lunar Pepper plant's fruit waxes and wanes in strength depending on the phase of the celestial body overhead at the moment they have been picked.
Originally thought to have been linked to the sun due to the correlation to heat, it was eventually discovered Ien's influence was what affected them rather than Rae's.
A favourite in a wide range of Huldanian cuisine due to the variety of spice offered. It is also used in some medical treatments as a topical and oral remedy, in combination with a few other mixed herbs and substances.
Anatomy
The plant itself is predominantly white with black specks, and branches that only extend about 10 centimetres out from its stem, but grows as high as 80 centimeters from its roots.
Flowing between green, yellow, orange, red, white, and then back, the fruit stays vibrant once matured in all even its final stage, where it begins to subtly glow as if imbued by moonlight.
Genetics and Reproduction
Over time as the fruit grows in size and higher up the plant it eventually explodes, dispersing seeds across the immediate area around it, and allowing fresh plants to grow in the moonlight.
Growth Rate & Stages
It takes up to 3 weeks for the seeds to sprout into a white highly toxic fruit, and a period of 3 to 4 months to ripen into its first safe green stage.
Ecology and Habitats
Can only grow in direct moonlight, and grows quicker and stronger the higher up it is, although the fruit will also more rapidly reach its conclusion.
Dietary Needs and Habits
If obscured for too long the fruit will eventually burst in an attempt to scatter seeds in search of moonlight.
Biological Cycle
Once ripened, the fruit continues to alternate with the moon phases and generally grows for a further 3 months before re-distributing itself.
The plant will last up to a year, allowing for 3 to 4 full developments of new fruit.
Domestication
Seeds are taken and cultivated in plots within the mountains, then the fruit is gathered in the desired stage when ripe, usually before it meets its end state.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
As they remain green for the majority of the time, they have to be quickly harvested during the appropriate moon phase.
Used mainly for seasoning in food, medicines such as muscle relaxant creams and elixirs taken for gastrointestinal problems also make use of the fruit for varying levels of intensity.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Found on top of most ice ridges in direct line of sight to the moon, especially prevalent in the Jarlkirsk.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The leaves of the plant contain receptors that soak in moonlight, giving it life and progressing the fruit through its 5 sequential stages.
Lifespan
1 year
Average Height
0.5 to 0.8 metres