Petuse

Petuse is a term used in speculative worldbuilding to denote a resin-producing plant genus and the resin it yields. In many settings, Petuse resin is valued for its aroma, clarity, and preservative properties, making it useful in varnishes, incense, and perfumery.

Botanically, Petuse plants are evergreen shrubs or small trees native to the Verdant Archipelago. They reach 2–6 meters, have corky bark with resin ducts, and glossy leaves; flowers are inconspicuous, producing seeds that help spread the species across coastal habitats.

The defining feature is the resin, which oozes from cracked bark and hardens to an amber substance. Petuse resin is hydrophobic, moderately heat-stable, and has a pine-citrus aroma when warmed. It dissolves in aromatic solvents and oils, enabling varnishes and perfumes.

Historically, resin trade is central in several stories, supporting crafts, ship coatings, and ritual practices. Some settings describe blends that mimic Petuse resin when supply is scarce.

In fiction, Petuse is often linked to memory and remembrance. Rituals and myths attribute dream-like recall to observers touched by the resin, a motif that recurs in lore and poetry across regions.

Taxonomy within the setting usually lists several species, such as Petusea resinosa and Petusea alata, though authors disagree on ranks. Many texts treat Petuse as a single genus for simplicity.