Mirn

Mirns (pronunciation: [miʀn] in Dargadian) are fruit-bearing trees, closely related to plums, peaches and apricots, that are widely grown in Damonth and Magorion. The tree is native and endemic to Southern Damonth; the cultivated trees are occasionally planted in other lands as ornamental trees or garden curiosities.

Description
The mirn is a deciduous tree, growing up to 20, but usually not over 10 meters; the form of crown is usually round to irregular, depending on the circumstances. The leaves are alternate, simple, glossy dark green, in a very particular, blade-like shape. They growth to the length of 12 - 16 centimeters and width of 6 - 8 centimeters. Each leave has two leafy stipules on the petiole.

The tree flowers in early spring, depending on the variety. Trees grown primarily for fruit flower later, after spring frosts, while varieties serving ornamental purposes are among the first trees to bloom in late winter. The flower can be 2 - 5 centimeters in diameter, snow white to dark pink, on a peduncle of up to 6 centimeters in length. The fruit is a drupe, usually around 5 cm in diameter, though fruit size is highly variable, in three main colour classes - peach, red and blue, containing a single stone. The flesh of the fruit is juicy and sweet.

Use
The mirn is widely grown in Damonth and Magorion four its fruit. The fruit can be consumed fresh, dried or used to produce a variety of products from jams and jellies to juices and pies. Both fresh and preserved mirn fruits are used in a wide range of sweet and savoury dishes, with meats, deserts, baked into bread and mashed into purees.

Mirn wine is a regional specialty in several places in Damonth; the drink is usually relatively low in alcoholic content (6 - 8 %) and very sweet, although harder and drier varieties exist, too.

The tree is also commonly grown as an ornamental plant. Varieties used for this purpose are typically very early-flowering and bear only a small amount of fruit, if any. The mirn blossom is used to brew tree and infuse alcoholic beverages.

Young leaves and bark are used as a folk medicine because of their antibacterial properties. It is used to treat fever, infection, inflammation and a variety of other diseases.

The wood of the tree has a rose / pink tinge and is frequently used for particular details in architecture, as well as to produce furniture, jewelry and ceremonial tools.

The trees plays an important part in the culture of Damonth; it is a symbol of spring, rejuvenation and plenty. The tree is praised for the versatility of its fruit and the large role it has in keeping the Dargad population well-fed and healthy.