Vörula

Vörula is a fictional plant genus in the world-building setting of Aeloria. The term derives from the Norvish language, combining vor meaning red and ula meaning leaf. The plant is a deciduous shrub up to two meters tall, with simple ovate leaves and clusters of small urn-shaped crimson flowers. It bears a dry capsule containing several seeds.

Vörula is native to Mistwood and Emberglades in eastern Aeloria, tolerant of partial shade and well-drained soils, but it requires a sheltered microclimate. It is propagated by semi-woody cuttings or layering.

In horticulture, vörula is cultivated for its pigment-rich bark and leaves, which yield a deep red dye used in textiles and heraldic inks. The dye, marketed as vörulin, is reputed for colorfastness and a slightly resinous scent when boiled. Beyond dye, traditional healers in the lore attribute mild antiseptic properties to prepared extracts, though modern in-world science treats these claims as unverified.

In folklore, vörula flowers signal the onset of spring and are linked to renewal and warding off winter. Harvest rituals often coincide with the first flowering.

Taxonomy: In reference works within the setting, Vörula is placed in the family Vörulaceae, order Dendroales, class Magnoliopsida.