Slickwood Tree

A towering lamptree native to Arenfürich that inhabits the rainier areas, where other trees would erode or lack root systems. The tree is known for producing an extremely hydrophobic epicuticular wax all along the bark and leaves, especially its upper leaves, to guard against the heavy rain. The native Àren cultivate the tree for this wax, which is used in the making of many of their products and sells for a high price in foreign lands. The wax itself is valued for its ability to be easily mixed in with a wood finish, polish, and even some oil-based dyes, all while retaining its properties.

The size and thickness of each tree is immense, even by rainforest standards. The trees can grow as tall as 120 feet, with trunks as thick as 10 feet. The thickness is necessary to store sufficient sap for the Arenfürich winters, where all rainfall ceases for 10 weeks. The roots can grow as thick as 12 feet in places, while sprawling out as far as 100 feet. Uniquely, the roots grow halfway above ground perpendicular to the local water flow so as to build up piles of sediment for feeding.

Given the protective nature of these large trees, many plants and animals flourish under their canopy. Various vines, mosses, and lichens make root on their trunks, and the pollinating longnose lemurs enjoy eating the nourishing nectar from the slickwood bellflowers.