koparak

Koparak is a term used in the fictional realm of Aridia to denote three distinct concepts: a plant genus, a ceremonial practice, and a geographic feature. The term is believed to derive from the Aridian word kopar meaning "to turn," with the suffix -ak used to form nouns. In botany, Koparakia is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, endemic to the highlands of Aridia. Members are perennial herbs with square stems and, typically, purple flowers. They are used in traditional medicine for digestive ailments, though modern pharmacology has not validated these claims. In cultural practice, koparak is the name of a harvest and purification ceremony performed at the start of the monsoon season, involving music, dance, and the planting of trees. In geography, Koparak refers to a mountain range in the northern part of Aridia, extending about 120 kilometers, with peaks reaching 2,500 meters. The ranges are home to endemic species and are part of local watershed systems. The term appears in historical chronicles dating to the 12th century and continues to feature in contemporary literature and tourism.