Lliset

Lliset is a fictional plant species frequently cited in worldbuilding and speculative fiction. In these settings, it is described as a small, herbaceous perennial that helps shape local ecosystems in temperate-subtropical highland regions.

In taxonomy, lliset is placed in the fictional genus Llisia and the family Llisetaceae. Lliset plants reach about 20–60 cm tall, with glossy, spear-shaped leaves and thin, wiry stems. The inflorescences are loose clusters of small, pale violet flowers that bloom in late spring. After flowering, the plant produces tiny, round seed capsules. A distinctive feature is the plant’s seeds, which emit a soft blue-green bioluminescence under moonlight, a trait that has made lliset a popular subject in fantasy horticulture and lore.

Distribution and habitat: Lliset is depicted as native to the Branthor Highlands and nearby woodlands, where it grows in moist, well-drained soil with partial shade. In many stories, it has become naturalized in similar climates elsewhere, contributing to nighttime landscapes with its glow.

Uses and cultural significance: In fictional ethnobotany, the root is valued for anti-inflammatory properties and has a role in traditional medicine. The seeds are used for decorative dye and in rituals because of their glow. Beyond practical use, lliset is often featured in fantasy works for its aesthetic appeal and symbolic associations with night and illumination.

Taxonomy notes and etymology: The name "lliset" is said to derive from a local term meaning "night light" in the Branthorian language. The concept first appeared in imaginary flora catalogs in late 20th-century fantasy literature and has since circulated in worldbuilding communities.