Zanorë

Zanorë is a genus of flowering plants in the family Zanoraceae, native to the Valaran Archipelago and nearby mainland forests. The genus comprises several species of evergreen shrubs and small trees that typically reach 2 to 6 meters in height. Leaves are leathery and alternately arranged, elliptic to lanceolate, with a glossy blue-green surface. The inflorescences are panicles of small, tubular flowers; the corollas are blue to violet, often with a pale yellow or white throat. The fruit is a winged capsule that disperses seeds by wind.

Zanorë species occupy coastal scrub, montane cloud forests, and rocky outcrops with well-drained soils and moderate moisture. They are adapted to seasonal dry periods and can tolerate salt spray in coastal sites. Pollination is primarily by nocturnal moths and solitary bees; nectar production peaks in the late afternoon to dusk. Some species show faint bioluminescence in the petals under moonlight, a trait of interest for studies of plant-pollinator interactions in dim environments.

In horticulture and traditional practice, Zanorë plants are valued for ornamental foliage and flowers. Extracts from certain species are used in artisanal perfumery and in traditional topical preparations, though clinical evidence for medicinal efficacy is limited.

Taxonomy and history: The genus Zanorë was first described by botanist L. Arin in 1847. Modern phylogenetic work places Zanorë within the family Zanoraceae, albeit with unresolved relationships to some related genera. Several species are endemic to specific islands or valleys and are subject to habitat protection. Conservation status varies, with some populations classified as vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss and invasive species.