Task 11: Medic

[Prof. Amy Lupin 9]

Keeping enough supplies to get you from point A to B and sometimes C can be tricky, especially in case you chance upon a stray asteroid or some pesky space pirates.

 

Fortunately your ship's destination is a lush planet and has plenty of plants, some even with unique healing properties. You're excited by this, and decide to read up on these plants.

 

For this task, you'll need to write a 100 word entry for one of these plants as though it came from the galaxy's database.

 

Post your entries below by 23:59 HOL time on 28 February to earn 10 rubies.

[Galena May 7]

On planet Samantandra, blooms a plant similar to red algae by sight except that it doesn't live in water or need water to survive. It is named Haembuoyant by space researchers and space botanists. It looks like huge red leaves, fluttering without wind (actually just using up its internal energy) and grows in iron-rich soil. Samantandra has abundant iron-rich deposits in its soil, especially inside its craters. These are the places Haembuoyants are found. It is the perfect antidote to anaemia. In cases of blood loss in space, it can be used for emergency blood replenishment. You'd just need to stuff a 1 inch by 1 inch piece of a Haembuoyant leaf into your mouth to replenish 100ml of blood in your body instantly. It gets absorbed within seconds when it comes in contact with saliva. It is equivalent to a 100ml blood transplant. It also grants powerful immunity against diseases. You might feel sick for a minute or so, and want to spill out the contents of your gut by vomitting, but if you haven't eaten anything, you will be fine.

[Helenarosequeen Granger 0]

Plant - Siliconida (botanical name - Siliconida gangrenous) Family - Siliconidae

Planet found - Silicanus

This planet has sandy soil and abundant silica and aluminium deposits. All life on this planet lives in the soil and can harvest oxygen from the silica deposits in the soil with the help of special organs called silica-harvesting mitochondria or simply silicenergizers. Researchers are afraid that soon all the oxygen in the soil will be depleted and all species will die. Oxygen in the soil of this planet is already scarce.

There are also plants that grow from the soil. Siliconida is one of them. It has pores in its roots with special cells called silicarets that release chemicals for redox reactions that break silica in the soil into oxygen and silicon. The oxygen is then sucked up from the soil through the pores and circulated to the whole plant. These silicarets break up enough silica for use by many organisms, not just themselves, that is why other small animals living in the soil depend for their oxygen supply and life on plants like Siliconida (other small animals don't have silicarets, silicarets are only found in certain plants). That is why these plants are very important to all other life on this planet, and researchers are trying to preserve these plant species by spreading awareness and making these plants a protected species by preventing alien space tourists from harvesting these plants. Presently, a hefty fine in the common space currency is payable for damaging or harvesting samples of any of these plants. However, there is a botanical agency which is authorized to cultivate and breed these plants in artificial conditions, thus anyone who wants to bring back samples of these plants for further study and research can buy these plants from this botanical agency. There is only one botanical agency in the entire universe which sells samples of these plants, thus these samples cost a lot for the economic conditions of most planets.

Healing properties - These plants extracts are poisonous and can cause both dry and wet gangrene on direct contact. But when mixed with certain special potions, these plants extracts can be a useful medicine to kill off extra or deformed cells or mutated cells or damaged cells to cure malignant cancers and tumors. These can also be used to kill parasites and harmful microbes.

Edited February 13 by Helenarosequeen Granger

[River Fenwick 4]

Plant Identification System
Plant Name: Starlight Bloom
Class: Rare Medicinal Plant
Habitat: Found on planet XA-1234's grassland biome
Appearance: The starlight bloom plant blooms a single delicate white flower with petals that shine like the stars. It has a slender silvery stem and dark green leaves. The plant emits a gentle, light blue glow while in the dark, making it easier to find and retrieve at night.
Uses: The starlight bloom's petals can be used in brewing a medicinal tea that is attributed to pain relief and strengthening the immune system. The leaves and stems possess potent restorative qualities.
Additional Information: The starlight bloom requires a delicate touch to obtain, as any harsh or abrupt movements will cause it to blacken, starting from its roots and moving up until it completely nullifies the uses of its petals, leaves, and stems.

[Scarlet Robloutain 0]

The Luminara Flora (Luminara lucens)

 

Description: The Luminara Flora, otherwise known as Luminara lucens, is a bioluminescent plant native to the lush planet Elysium. It features broad, iridescent leaves that emit a soft, blue glow, providing natural illumination in its habitat.

 

Healing Properties: The plant's sap contains potent anti-inflammatory and regenerative compounds, making it highly sought after for medical applications. It accelerates wound healing and reduces pain when applied topically.

 

Ecological Role: Luminara Flora plays a crucial role in Elysium's ecosystem, aiding in soil stabilisation and providing a habitat for various microorganisms.

 

Cultural Significance: Revered by local inhabitants, it symbolises health and vitality.