#one of the gymnosperm taxa im actively learning about

[gorgynei]

(puts on my botany hat) okay. so the firelights tree is very specifically inspired by a ginkgo tree

some examples of ginkgo leaves ^ extremely distinct! the firelight tree's are pretty big compared to the real thing though

this is interesting mostly because on earth, the gingko tree (Ginkgo biloba) is the only extant species of order Ginkgoales and is extremly old

fossil of a ginkgo leaf from. a long time ago ^

gingko trees also specialize in growing in disturbed environments (environments near flowing bodies of water or impacted by wildfire, invasive species, floods, volcanic eruptions, etc.) and prefer areas with lots of water drainage, which fits well for it's ability to grow in the firelights hideout!