Chaskan ecology

Chaskan wildlife is D’Runian wildlife, separated from other landmasses for a number of millions of years, and already isolated before that point. Some common flora and fauna that make up essential parts of daily life in Chaska, therefore, were relatively unknown to other civilized nations before contact.

The names of the plants and animals are given first in Remana, then in scientific classification, then in English. Further notes give examples of some of the uses to which the organism is put, and the further etymology of the word.

Flora

Chiril (Macadamia integrifolia): Macadamia nut. Takes a heck of a lot to crack, but it’s worth it for the taste. From jindilli.

Karkalla (Carpobrotus glaucescens): pigface. Growing on the coastline, the salty red banana-shaped fruits are a delicacy inland. From karkalla.

Kichiy (acacia colei): parta tree. The seeds are used as a grain substitute, the wood is hardy and long-lasting, and the plant itself fixes nitrogen, replenishing the soil. From gidgee.

Kirikir (Backhousia citriodora): lemon myrtle. The leaves may be brewed to make an excellent lemony (but not tart) tea. From girri girri.

Kuwar (Dioscorea alata): purple yam. Tubers used in cooking. From kowar.

Rucha (Citrus australis): dooja. Perfectly acceptable lemon substitute, excellent with seafood, or as marmalade or part of a sauce. From dooja.

Tinka (Melaleuca spp.): paperbark. Found on the edge of swamps. Bark may be removed for use as paper, or for wrapping food for baking. The flowers produce copious amounts of nectar. From dehn.ga.

Wakay (Tasmannia stipitata): Dorrigo pepper. Berries and leaves used in cooking, provide a woody-cinnamon and hot peppery flavour. From wagay.

Wina (Pandanus amaryllifolius): Pandan. The green juice from the leaf is used in flavouring and food dyes, giving a vanilla-like scent. From wynnum.

Fauna

Champan (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): platypus. Found in wetlands in the east. From janban.

Chiman (Llama glama): llama. An essential animal for wool and transportation in the mountains. From jimbang.

Kuruman (Osphranter antilopinus): antilopine kangaroo. Found across the grasslands in the southern provinces. From guruman.

Mayur (Thylacoleo carnifex): marsupial lion. A revered predator in Chaskan mythology. From mayur.

Ñuri (Dromaeus novaehollandiae): emu. A source of food and early domesticated animal. From ngurihny.

Qunt’uy (Casuarius casuarius): cassowary. Found in the jungles of the southeast. From gunduy.