graafeilla

Graafeilla is a fictional genus of flowering plants created for a world-building flora set on the continent of Veridia. In this imagined taxonomy, Graafeilla is placed in the family Asteraceae and is currently monotypic, represented by Graafeilla lumina. The genus and species were first described by the fictional botanist Livia Veris in 1987 in the flora Flora Veridia.

Graafeilla lumina is a small, herbaceous perennial reaching about 12–28 cm in height. It has opposite, lanceolate leaves with fine serration. The inflorescence is a compact capitulum with violet-blue ray florets surrounding pale yellow disk florets. The fruit is an achene with a light pappus for wind dispersal.

Habitat and distribution: Endemic to alpine meadows of the Veridian Highlands, at elevations of 1800–2600 meters. It prefers calcareous, well-drained soils and occurs among cushion plants and short grasses. Flowering occurs midsummer, typically July and August.

Etymology and cultural role: The genus name derives from the surname Graaf with the diminutive suffix -ella. In Veridian folklore, Graafeilla lumina symbolizes resilience and renewal, appearing in local art and ceremonial motifs. There is no evidence of its existence outside the fictional Veridian Highlands in this world-building setting.

Taxonomic status: Graafeilla is a fictional taxon and does not appear in real-world botanical references. It is presented here for narrative or educational purposes within speculative biology and world-building. See also: List of fictional plant taxa; alpine flora in speculative worlds.