Desert Poxbush

Desert poxbush is a dangerous parasitic species, that spreads the feared Seedpox.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The poxbushes are fairly low bushes, that can form thick growth around viable water sources. The bush has small waxy leaves. The branches have grey, fairly unremarkable-looking pustules, that release spores on any approaching herbivores. It's fruit are long, bright orange and have sweet exotic smell that can be smelled even by humans from meters away. The fruit are produced in the middle of the dry season, to attract hungry victims.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Desert Poxbush produces extremely sweet smelling fruit, that attract large mammals to their vicinity. When the victim touches the plant, it releases a spore cloud. The spores attach to the skin of the animal. The spores develop into seeds inside the outer layers of the skin, before falling with a fertilizing dose of mucus.

Ecology and Habitats

It grows in the warm and arid contitions, especially in the Pillar Mountains and the Irin i heš.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The bushes are extremely dangerous and possibly deadly. To destroy the Poxtrees, the only viable option is to approach them covered, bury them and burn them in a covered hole. On an open fire the spores can survive and spread by the wind.
The fruit is said to have a divine taste. Despite the extreme danger of collecting them (20% of victims affected by the spores will develop severe infections of which 5% will die or develop necrosis) the fruit is sometimes collected and eaten as delicacy. Caač people will sometimes result on them when suffering from extream famine. The nomads of the Plains have tried to develop methods of protection agains the spores, but with variable success. They have sometimes even resulted on forcing slaves to collect the fruit, practically condemning them to death and extreme pain.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

It is parasite to large herbivores. It can also attach to humans, but can be deadly for them.

Average Height

1-2m