Dragon's Spine Dracopogon Viridis

Dragon's spine

The Dragon’s Spine is a bamboo found only in Zamna's lush forests. Its robust culms mimic the ridged, scaly back of an ancient dragon, and it is covered in sharp, bony spines on one side. The Dragon’s Spine has an incredibly strong structure, making it invaluable for construction.

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Rarity: ✦✦✦✧✧

Growth Cycle: This perennial bamboo grows rapidly once established in suitable conditions, forming dense thickets along Zamna’s rivers and in its bamboo forests. While the culms grow quickly, the plant itself only flowers once every century.
Unique Properties: Its wood structure is incredibly durable, far surpassing typical bamboo. Due to the formidable air that its distinctive ridges and spines provide, it is often used as decoration by Faians who want to seem intimidating.
Ease of Cultivation: ✦✦✦✧✧

Practical Uses: With its striking, ancient aesthetic and durable material, Dragon’s Spine bamboo plants are highly prized in construction, allowing for incredibly strong scaffolding and unique architectural designs. Its culms are also used to create weaponry like spears and lances, or for crafting ornate furniture and tools. Its spiny structure makes it an excellent material for defensive barriers.
Value: ✦✦✦✦✧
Lore and Cultural Significance: The Dragon’s spine bamboo is revered by Zamnans as a symbol of strength, resilience, and fierce protection. It is often planted around sacred sites or used in rituals, as it is believed to ward off evil. The plant has greatly influenced Zamna’s architectural style, and in turn, the entire island’s aesthetic.