Volan Tree

The Volan Tree is a species of tree that dwells specifically in the Volain Forest. It is characterized by coal-black leaves and a 15-20 cm thick trunk, which can be anywhere from maroon to lime green, depending on what the tree uses for nutrients. In the brutal summer months they store up heat in their trunks which they use to sustain themselves during the winter.
Like all other trees on the planet Olivarenith, the Volan Tree is part of the Stacreopir genus.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Trunks and Leaves

The Volan Tree is characterized by dark leaves and sturdy trunks, which are used to protect against the notoriously harsh Olivarenian weather and climate. The leaves, for example, have grown to become anywhere from 15-20 cm long and 10-12 cm wide, allowing them to capture monstrous amounts of energy from the sun. As this energy is used, any extra heat will be stored in the trunk of the organism. This is especially useful in the frigid winter months, where it can use this heat to continue its bodily processes and prevent frostbite.

Roots

The roots are renowned for being extremely versatile in their ability to suck up nutrients. Each one is flexible and made of muscle that is each voluntarily controlled by the brain, or Seuro-Re-Volan, and can range anywhere from 20 to 45 cm in diameter. About 40% of that is empty space in the form of a tube that runs through each root, and at the tip of each one is an echolocation sensor that periodically sends out small vibrations in order to locate potential sources of nutrients. There are also several ridges lining the outside of the root that allow it to burrow through the loose earth of the Blivonic Valley more easily; this is the most prevalent and important reason why the Volan Trees cannot be grown in regions beyond the Valley.
The roots' detection system counts nutrients as anything that contains silicon, the main component of Volan Trees' muscles and skin, while any excess materials will be separated and moved to the outer layer of the trunk, giving the tree an extra layer of armor. The supply of silicon is usually in the form of rocks and stones; however, the carcasses of dead Ibrovinids and other creatures can also suffice, giving the tree a noticeably dark hue. This has cemented the color black as a sign of death in Blivonic culture, and the appearance of a dark Volan Tree is often seen as an evil omen.

Relationships with other Trees

The roots of the trees form tight knots with nearby Volan Trees, forming an underground chain of supports that combat against wind and storms. However, if the wind is strong enough, this can have the opposite effects, as large rows of trees have been forcefully yanked out of the earth one after another, the knots in the roots instead creating a chain reaction across the earth.
When a sapling begins to grow, nearby trees will detect this and divert several of their roots to grasp the young sapling's roots. This does not affect the sapling's nutrient intake, and the adult trees will have cut off circulation with the roots that are attached to the sapling to avoid taking any of the nutrients for themselves. As the tree grows older, the knot will loosen a bit to avoid squeezing it too hard.

Growth Rate & Stages

A typical Volan Tree takes about 10-15 years to mature and from there it can last well over 150 years, assuming that it isn't cut down or beaten by the weather. 
First, a black-colored seed is planted into the earth, which, after around 15-30 days, will grow into a small sapling, with black leaves and a black stem, signifying that it is still using its seed's shell for nutrients. Once the stem changes color, that signifies that it is beginning to turn to its surrounding environment for food. 
Throughout this process there must be a permanent set of clamps, weights, and other tools to keep the tree intact during the harsh winds. When the trunk's diameter is around 10-12 cm thick, which is usually 5-6 years in, the clamps and weights are to be removed and the tree is to be 'set free', where the tree is now officially a member of the Volaineft Forest and now under the jurisdiction of the Volaineft guards.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Seuro-Re-Volan

Like all other trees in Olivarenith, the Volan Trees possess a brain, which is located at ground level. It is very bulbous, growing to around 105 to 110% the diameter of the trunk and giving the tree a noticeable bulge near the ground. From there it can control the muscles in its roots. 
The brain is an ovalish sphere and separated into 13-17 differnt lobes, depending on the amount of roots the tree has. Each lobe controls one root. Between each lobe is a small system of cartilage that glues the lobes together, while in the center a small cylindrical circle allows for the exchange and transfer of information between lobes.

Scientific Name

Stacreopir Udrolmiletoc

Conservation Status

As of now, there are 7723 Volan Trees in the Volaineft Forest, and are strictly guarded year-round. Weather-resistant cameras are also present, mounted on the trunks of every other tree, and sharp objects are not permitted in the forest.

Geographic Distribution

• Volain Forest

Related Organizations

• Kairn