Viznagim, commonly known as cacti, are (along with numerous other desert plants) many things to the Irekei: food, water, medicines, drugs, clothing, and defense. They are also, as shown, enjoyed for the occasional beauty of their blossoms. During the short span of their blooming, such are visited by wild bees and moths, and (near oases) even hummingbirds. Domestic viznagim like these in Khar Th'Sekt are sometimes kept in pots not so that they may be watered, but to keep heavy foot traffic from overly compacting the soil around their roots and to provide for their movement during a siege.

Uses of the Viznaga:
The underground roots are used for inducing quick vomiting in the case of persons bitten by poisonous snakes or having drunk alkali water. The leaves mashed up and applied as a poultice are said to allay heat and inflammation in burns and bites. The ripe fruits, which are round and red and must be peeled of their fine spines, dye the urine red* while soothing the bladder-- an important effect, for the Irekei by nature and training eliminate infrequently. The flowers cure coughing, even in those who have inhaled intense smoke, and the juice of the plant is said to cure tumours in goats and fir'khanim.

One may use this viznaga as a cooking pot by cutting off the top, scooping out the pulp and inserting hot stones together with food. The spines are used as needles, awls and (in coastal areas) as fishhooks.

*Note for Fir'khanim visiting the virakar: Do NOT step in the RED sand. You have been warned.