wcignicia

Wcignicia is a fictional genus of flowering plants used in speculative biology and world-building. In the in-universe taxonomy, it belongs to a hypothetical family Novaceae and is endemic to the high-altitude ecosystems of the continent of Aethria. The name is a constructed term, with no direct etymology presented in the source material.

Description: Wcignicia plants are small perennials reaching 20–45 cm tall, with slender stems, narrow leaves, and solitary or few-flowered inflorescences. Flowers have five petals, typically blue to violet, with a central nectar spur. The fruit is a small dry capsule containing several seeds.

Distribution and habitat: Wcignicia is described as confined to alpine meadows and rocky slopes above 2,000 m, where it grows in well-drained soils under sparse canopies. Pollination is attributed to alpine hummingbirds in the fictional ecosystem.

Taxonomy and phylogeny: In the fictional framework, Wcignicia is placed in Novaceae, closely related to the genera Althaea and Nectandra within the same clade. The taxonomy is described as provisional and subject to revision as more in-universe data become available.

History and etymology: The genus is said to be first collected during an expedition described in in-universe journals from 2140. The term wcignicia is presented as a constructed name for narrative purposes; no linguistic root is specified.

See also: Speculative biology; Worldbuilding; List of fictional taxa

References: In-universe sources include field journals and worldbuilding compendia; outside readers are directed to anthologies of speculative botany.