Submission (#7354) Approved

Much like its name, the Mourning Bellblossom is a flower that has a puffy top and curved bottom, closely resembling a small bell in shape. Generally, three blossoms appear per vine, with the blooms ranging in size, depending on the nutrients it receives. 

This flower inhabits various parts of Silveil’s looming forests, hidden deep within the darkest parts of the overgrowth. It curls around the trunks of the tallest trees, as if reaching for sunlight that will never come. Many theorize it used to inhabit other, more sunlit than starlit regions, but has since adapted to thrive off of only the light of the Moon and stars. 

The blossoms normally have a dormancy period of 7 weeks, before the true flowers appear for 4 weeks. During this period before the true blossoms, the dotted vine slowly begins to emit a glow where each of the true blossoms will follow. Afterwards, when the true blossoms bloom, it emits a strangely sour scent as they come into fruition. This scent, the likes of which attracts foul insects and repels large mammals and reptiles, is used as both a defense mechanism as well as an invitation. The glowing insects carry the pollen from the Mourning Bellblossom far and wide, helping to spread the reach across even the farthest reaches of this nighttime region.

In an environment so far from the ground, it’s hard for the wind to carry the pollen along by itself. The flower’s descriptive - Mourning - name comes from the glowing teardrop clusters that fall from the inside of the bell-shaped Blossom during pollination. Much like a dandelion, if insects are unable to fully loosen the seeds before dormancy begins, the clusters seem to take flight in order to travel far distances. 

Like the scent, these flowers have a uniquely tart taste that make them great in cooking. However, due to their location in Silveil’s forest tops, this makes them extremely hard to source. Any elnin lucky enough to store these flowers in their kitchen has many friends visit them just for a taste! It’s especially popular in Silveil’s most high end bars, where the flavor can be passed around to share in a never-ending night of affairs.