Balefire Tree

This plant grows in the abyssal layer, and is named for the phosphorescent light found near its top. This light makes use of the phototropism of nearby plants, as leaves from the twilight layer dip down towards this light. The balefire tree makes use of this phenomena in that the leaves from the twilight layer dipping down to this light source create a kind of sand trap, and hapless creatures fall in and slide into the gooey digestive substances of this carnivorous plant. In lean times the light of the balefire tree will extinguish, causing the nearby leaves to die and fall into the digestion pit. Halfling denizens of the abyssal layer will often cultivate paths of Balefire Trees to mark out safe paths and trade routes, and eradicate trees that are not part of the path. Maintenance of these paths often requires feeding the Balefire Trees in the path. Such tenders of Balefire paths and roads are known colloquially as "baylards" (a derivation of "bale-herds").