The Shimdia Cactus is a plant native to the planet
Snarsis.
Appearance
Shimdia Cacti are small succulent cactus plants, growing to be at most around one foot tall. They are low-growing, with short round bodies with waxy grey-green skin formed into bumps, called scales, having a cluster of long spikes from the plant's protection.
During the wet season in their rocky highland habitat, the cacti grow large colorful flowers. The petals of the flowers are pointed in shape and are often yellow or orange in color. The flowers eventually turn into small seed-filled fruits which when overripe fall to the ground dispersing the seeds and planting the next generation of cacti.
The plant has an extensive shallow root system, spread out to collect as much water as possible. The linear groves in between the Cacti’s scales and the large flowers of the cacti are also used by the plant to gather as much rain and dew as possible.
The flesh of the plant has also developed to hold as much water as possible. The flesh is soft and spongy and easily holds water even months and years after rainfall.
Uses
The Shimdia Cactus has been used by the
Snarsisian people for centuries as a food and water source. The fruits were picked and used in Snarsisian cuisine, although it is often toned down with other ingredients to make the fruits palatable to the bland Snarsisian tastes.
The flesh could also be harvested and pressed to gather water. The flesh of the plant is toxic to most species but can be tolerated by the strong
Snarsisian Stomach and is often used as an alternate source of water.
Due to the Snarsisians not liking to go out in the sun, those who farm the cacti either harvest the cacti on the surface at night or grow them in underground glasshouses. Those who grow them above ground often hire either lower-class Snarsisian laborers, who are willing to go out in the heat for a paycheck or non-Snarsisian workers, who are less affected by the heat.
The Spikes of the plant may also be used in traditional Snarsisian arts and crafts but this is quite rare in modern times with other materials now being used.
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