mchýe

Mchýe is a fictional flowering plant species described in speculative flora of the Velorian ecosystem. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is characterized by a herbaceous form reaching 0.6–1.0 meters in height. The leaves are opposite, ovate with lightly serrated margins. Its inflorescences are solitary heads with bright golden-yellow ray florets surrounding a darker central disc, giving the plant a sunlike appearance. The flowering period extends from late spring to early autumn, depending on altitude and climate.

Mchýe is native to cloud forest valleys of Veloria, at elevations between 1,200 and 2,200 meters. It prefers shaded, humid habitats with rich, well-drained soil and forms dense clumps along streams and forest clearings. Reproduction occurs via seeds that are dispersed by wind and frugivorous animals; pollination is primarily by bees and butterflies. The species exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established and can tolerate light to moderate shade.

In cultural use, mchýe is valued for ornamental display and is sometimes employed in traditional Velorian medicine, with infusions of the leaves used for mild anti-inflammatory effects. It is not considered a major crop and currently faces threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation in its imagined range. Taxonomic notes and ecological studies are ongoing in speculative botanical literature, focusing on its pollination ecology and potential secondary metabolites. Etymology of mchýe derives from the Velorian word meaning "sun-gem," referring to the plant's golden blossoms.