Xaltheng Trees

Basic Information

Anatomy

The xaltheng tree has no bark, its inner wood being very tough on its own. It doesn't have any thick limbs as other trees do, its branches instead being very thin. Its branches don't have to be thick, as it doesn't extend far away from the trunk, which is in itself fairly thin. It tends to have a very similar composition and appearance to a birch tree. Its leaves are circular and small, and can be all different kinds of colours. Though they'll be different shades of the same colour on the same tree, leaves on the same tree will never be radically different colours or even similar colours. Trees that are near each other also tend to have similar colours; for example, a single forest might have combinations of deep blues, purples, and greens as its leaf colours, and another forest might have bright reds, oranges, and yellows. A common point for the general colour to change is when a forest crosses a river, as the leaves from one side typically can't reach the other side, and so the trees have to come from the other side and thus don't have to be similar colours.

Genetics and Reproduction

The trees reproduce asexually, through their leaves. Though their leaves fall fast, planting other trees right beside them, their leaves regrow just as fast. Only about 5% of these leaves actually take to the soil and grow, but even then, this fast reproduction results in incredibly thick forests.

Growth Rate & Stages

They grow incredibly fast, often finishing its juvenile phase by a year after its original planting date. After it grows into a full sapling, it basically looks like a mini version of its adult counterparts. They have relatively short lifetimes compared to other trees, typically living about a hundred and fifty years max, and then it rapidly deteriorates and decays. Its decayed flesh fertilizes the trees beside it.

Ecology and Habitats

Xaltheng trees are very hardy and can grow in nearly every habitat but hot and cold deserts. This is why they make up the vast majority of Xiveri, covering about 98% of its land excluding the Exoziv Mountains.

Biological Cycle

Though it doesn't shed its leaves as other trees do, as its leaves fall constantly all throughout the year, its leaves do tend to go through phases based on the seasons. During the Xiverith wet season the leaves tend to fall much faster than during the dry season, though they grow back faster. The leaves are also much more vibrant and colourful than during the dry season.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The wood of xaltheng trees is used for basically everything in Xiveri, as it's so prevalent. Despite how quickly its wood is consumed, the consumption doesn't make a dent in how common xaltheng trees are because of how quickly and easily they reproduce.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Xaltheng trees can be found in all biomes and habitats but cold and hot deserts.

Lifespan

150 years

Average Height

25 feet

Geographic Distribution

• Exoziv Mountains