Desert Stars

Even the driest desert can turn into a sea of stars.

Proverb of the Shasana people

Basic Information

Anatomy

Every Desert Star starts off as a seed roughly the size of an avocado pit. Thanks to the hard shell surrounding it the seed can survive years - even decades if necessary - in the hot desert sand, waiting for the right time to sprout. After a heavy rainfall the seed immediately begins to put down lots of thin roots which dig deep into the sand to gather as much water as possible.
After the bud has formed the flower will start to bloom. 6 petals of translucent white color surround a fuzzy, light yellow center with the pollen. The Desert Star is already pretty to look at during daytime but its real beauty unfolds after nightfall. The petals give off a bioluminescent glow; mostly white with a faint yellow hue.
The blossom of the Desert Star lasts about one week. If pollination was successful the plant will leave a seed behind after whilting.

Genetics and Reproduction

Desert Stars are hermaphrodite plants which means they have both pistils (female part) and stamen (male part). For pollination they rely on nocturnal insects which they attract with their bioluminescent glow; a beguiling scent is not neccessary for this type of reproduction.

Growth Rate & Stages

As a seed this plant is extraordinarily long-lived. It can survive extreme heat and arid climates for over a decade, patiently waiting in the desert sand for one of the rare rainfalls.
The growth rate of the Desert Star is relatively quick once they are exposed to water. They sprout, put down roots, bloom and whilt in the time of about a week and a half. A longer period would put them at the risk of drying up.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

This plant does not possess any extraordinary senses. It can tell night and day apart by the temperature and amount of sunlight.

Scientific Name

trailing plant

Origin/Ancestry

Skashal and Sashana deserts

Conservation Status

The Desert Star is rare by nature but not considered endangered.
To assure the survival of this species it's considered a taboo to pick them while they're blooming. Taking their seeds to plant them elsewhere is also considered contemptible because of the belief that the location of those plants is directly determined by The Groundsman himself.