Pillow Moss

Basic Information

Anatomy

Pillow moss is most of the time green in appearance, turning various colors as iron, calcium and other nutrients from its food is deposited in patches along its network of interconnected moss. This species of moss has a base made almost entirely of pulvinus material,a type of growth made of a vascular core which contracts to facilitate movement.

Biological Traits

Secretes a neurotoxic to paralysis and eventually kill comatose creatures. It uses poweful enzymes to break down its prey.

Genetics and Reproduction

This plant reproduces asexually expanding its numbers as more food is added to the system.

Growth Rate & Stages

New grow expands slowly as it works to build is pulvinus base, starting low with few leaves as the parent moss it is networked with provides most of its energy. The plants in sections of storage are often older and if enough of one nutrient is stored it may die off and later absorbed as needed.

Ecology and Habitats

Pillow Moss only grows naturally in Viridis Pyle and the Fae forest

Dietary Needs and Habits

Once a trespassing creature is lulled by the forests magic and drifts to sleep the moss secretes a paralytic sap that with high enough concentrations stop lung and heart function. It then begins to move over the creature, moving slowly in the span of a several hours.  Once covered it begins to produce an enzyme and break down the flesh and eventually bones. This process takes several weeks to complete. Absorbed material is then transported through special vessels into storage sections of the network. These can then be distributed to other parts of the forest where plants are lacking.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Some local townsfolk have figured out how to keep it alive and growing. They often line their garden with it and feed it food scraps,rancid meat and bone pieces, it, in turn, fertilizes their garden.
Its paralytic sap in small doses is used as a topical analgesic. Only residents of @Kymenos

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Found in Viridis Pyle Pillow originates in the Fae forest

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Pillow moss has evolved to sense when a creature has been befallen from the magic long imbued in the Viridis Pyle forest. It can also receive chemical signals of other plants in order to share nutrients.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Any plant in its network have a symbiotic relationship, giving and receive nutrients as needed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulvinus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thigmonasty,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thigmotropism

Scientific Name

Bryopsida pulvinus

Lifespan

5-10 years

Conservation Status

The long forgotten magic within the forest protects it from harm.

Average Height

3-4 inches

Average Weight

2-4 lbs for most individual plants. 30-40 lbs for consuming patches

Average Length

Individual plants are 1-4 ft. Connected patches span most of the forest

Geographic Distribution

• Fae forest
• Viridis Pyle