Shadowtop
The soaring giants of Faerunian forests, shadowtops
can grow 2 feet a year and top out at 90 feet. A full-grown shadowtop
flares out to a diameter of 10 feet or more at its base, its trunk
surrounded by many pleat-like ridges. Shadowtops are named for the
dense clusters of feathery leaves at the tops of their trunks. Shadowtop
leaves are irregular in shape and have copper undersides and
deep green upper surfaces.
Shadow-wood is fibrous and tough, but unsuitable for carving or
structural work because under stress it splits down its length into
splayed fibers. These fibers are valued in rope-making (a few added to
the twist improves the strength and durability of a completed coil)
and burns slowly but cleanly, generating a very hot fire, with little
smoke. This makes it ideal for cooking.