Xauitl

A flower native to Teixcalaan, the capital world of the star-faring empire of the same name, Xauitl is a contact neurotoxin that also causes – however briefly – vivid hallucinations in those dosed with it. It is derived from the plant of the same name, being the white-coloured sap of the plant. The sap has a oily consistency, but is also quite caustic, quickly causing blistering in skin it contacts.

More dangerous still are the fumes of the poison, which carry its strongest effects directly into the body. It is in this way that the neurotoxic effects of Xauitl are most commonly inflicted. The flower’s cultivation is highly regulated, to prevent accidents and to maintain a virtual monopoly on the substance for the government. Properly treated, Xauitl is also a vital ingredient for certain types of palsy.

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Origin: A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine, from their Teixcalaan series.