Star Lotus
Flowering
The star lotus, also known as the light lotus, guiding star-flower, or glowing star lotus is an aquatic plant species native to Anstar.
The star lotus has adapted to growing on stagnant or slow-flowing freshwaters, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, or deltas. Its mystical properties cause it to glow faintly at night, warning predators of its poisonous nature in a breathtaking display.
Botany
The star lotus is commonly cultivated in controlled environments by botanist Luminites who cherish its beauty. Not only is it often used in backyard ponds as decor, but also in assistance to the local ecosystem.
CULTURAL IMPACT
Luminites have long believed that the star lotus contains properties connecting it to the stars themselves. How exactly this connection works is debated, but the most common interpretation is that the stars maintain a spiritual connection with a star lotus. It's said that when a star lotus dies, a star somewhere has died as well.
Due to these associations, the star lotus has commonly been used in the Stellaestum festival as a symbol for booths, decor, and posters. The Passage of Lotus is an event during Stellaestum where Luminites will gather around and release Lotuses they've cultivated during the year into a lake. This is seen as an offering to the stars, and a release of negative energy from one's life as the flower drifts away.
It is recognized as the representative colony flower of Dioscenus.