dallaria

Dallaria is a fictional genus of flowering plants in the mint family, introduced here as part of a world-building context. It is described as native to Verdara, an imagined landmass with diverse habitats ranging from alpine meadows to coastal dunes.

Within this setting, Dallaria plants are perennial herbs or low shrubs, 0.3–1.2 meters tall. Leaves are opposite, simple, ovate with serrated margins, and aromatic when crushed. Stems are square. Inflorescences are dense terminal whorls; flowers tubular, 5-lobed, usually blue or violet, with a two-lipped corolla.

The genus contains three recognized species: Dallaria verdarana, D. montana, D. littoralis. The epithet verdarana refers to Verdara; montana to mountain habitats; littoralis to littoral zones. The name honors fictional botanist Dr. Celia Dallar.

Pollinated by native bees and hoverflies; fruits are dry schizocarps dividing into four nutlets; dispersal by gravity and limited wind. Habitat threats include habitat loss from agricultural expansion and invasive grasses in Verdaran lowlands; conservation status is variable by region, with some populations in protected reserves.

In-world uses and cultural significance, leaves are used as culinary herbs and in traditional Verdaran tea blends; essential oil harvested for perfumery. Dallaria is frequently cited in biodiversity narratives as emblematic of Verdaran flora.