Submission (#6784) Approved

Garcinia is the name of an invasive species of vine that now also inhabits Ealei. Originally found in Enmir, this vine is notorious for growing fast and climbing up trees to steal nutrients. In Enmir, garcinia was kept in check well enough by other competitive flora and much of the local fauna also make use of the plant for their diet. However, in Ealei, there exists no such competition between plant species, and most of the local animals already have a very specific diet native to the region. The vine itself is characterized by its dark, papery bark that will shed itself naturally during the growth of the vine. Once the vine reaches the topmost portion of the plant, garcinia will sprout distinct five-pointed leaves that form what resembles a star. After a few days, a white and scentless flower will blossom from the top of the plant, and the garcinia will shoot off the seeds to be carried away in the wind or water. Because the plant is normally from Enmir, garcinia does well with the water in Ealei, and will drain away more than is required causing a major problem for local wildlife. Research hasn't shown an appropriate way to remove the plant, since the root system of garcinia also entwines itself around its victim, and the mangroves of Ealei allow the plant to weave complex systems of roots that makes removing the plant difficult.  If left unchecked in this state, the plant will eventually strangle the mangrove roots, causing local trees to wither away and can harm the natural growth of manaberries in that area. Because the root system of the garcinia can expand so thoroughly within the winding mangrove, experts advise people not to attempt to remove the plant without proper consideration. 

But thankfully through the dedicated work of local groups, the actual spreading of the plant has been located to more isolated areas. There are even bounties placed upon the plant, and some residents supplement their income by harvesting the plant and turning in the branches to their local town herbalists. There is some work also being done to perhaps modify the plant into something more friendly for the ecosystem, and talented researchers in Bellmoril are hard at work devising a way to help Ealei residents figure out a better method than extermination for garcinia. The flowers, although invasive, are still beautiful to behold, and are known as the 'Shining Star in Enmir' thanks to their unique shape and ability to absorb and reflect light. Some Ealei residents now decorate their clothes with the garcinia flower as a symbol of their dedication to providing a welcoming environment to any individual; sentient or not.