Plump Pillar

As some high stems landed in shallower and shallower waters they adapted to spend more time outside of it. Over time their size increased and they focused on growing a singular trunk. The rhizoid grew thicker into roots that could provide more support to the towering structure and the stem itself grew smaller stems with a bulbous tip filled with helium that, once the conditions were right, would disperse to find a new place to grow on. The stem itself is what will start the growing process once again; having lost the ability to reproduce sexually, all Plum Pillars are clones. Pictured here a stand of costal plum pillars share the shore of a cove on Yama with some puffballs. [Creature design by Xord]

Basic Information

Anatomy

The plump pillar has its main trunk extending directly upwards and holding the crown circular “leaf” which it uses for photosynthesis. At its base it spreads roots around it to better anchor it into the ground providing it the needed stability to grow to its size. These roots are not all underground as they also extend aboveground into the water to better absorb it and the nutrients it may be carrying along with it. The trunk is full of smaller stems no longer than 15cm in length topped off with a small bulb filled with hydrogen. These bulbs eventually detach as part of its reproductive process. The crown “leaf” is no longer thin as while it is completely flat on top, the closer it gets to the trunk the thicker it becomes downwards to provide a slope for its floating stems to avoid being trapped under the “leaf”.

Genetics and Reproduction

Once mature, from the plump pillar’s trunk grow dozens of stems whose bulbous tips contain hydrogen. These stems eventually snap off and are carried by strong winds into other parts of the land. After some time the bulb opens into 4 petals shaped like the blades of a helicopter for a soft descent. They must land in water to begin their growing process once again. This method of dispersion has allowed it to spread into inland lakes and rivers. It also no longer sexually reproduces seeing as it grows again from its stems, so all the Plum Pillars are clones.

Growth Rate & Stages

Plump pillars start life when they detaches from the trunk. They are nothing but floating stems full of hydrogen. After some time, usually no more than a day, they descend into the ground and if lucky will land in shallow waters or moist soil where they will grow into a mature Plump Pillar in roughly 5 years to repeat the process once again.