Deep Fruit

The Deep Fruit is a plant residing inside the seabed, consisting of a fruit to entice animals into spreading its seeds. They are choosy plants, with its branches able to sense what type of creature is next to it. The branches have a habit of extending thorns in order to guard against large creatures that could trample its fruits in a conflict.

Basic Information

Anatomy

This plant is half-submerged into the rock, with it's many branches poking through and sticking up to guard against large creatures. These branches are shaped angularly, and thorns on its surface that can extend and retract to the plant's will. In the center of the branches are clusters of fruit containing the seeds, designed to give off scents to attract small herbivores to try to eat them. 

Genetics and Reproduction

The cluster of fruits in the center of the plant contain small seeds, and when a particular herbivore is allowed to eat them, the seeds are digested without them knowing. They pass through the digestive tract, and eventually take root elsewhere, though this can result in failure if the creature travels over a halocline river. The plant minimizes this risk by attracting several different herbivores at once, to ensure they all go their separate ways to a unique location.

Growth Rate & Stages

When the seeds first emerge into the world, they are carried by the faint oceanic currents in their habitat, where they then create a puddle of acid in order to sink down into the rock. The main plant body will grow underground, with its branches pushing through the rock, and emerging above. Finally, its fruits begins growing, which start to emit scents to attract various herbivorous species. 

Ecology and Habitats

Deep Fruits grow in the Pits, and grow mainly in open flat areas where they can be noticed easier than their larger inedible varieties. They only grow alone, and rarely in close proximity to another of their kind.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Deep Fruits are chemosynthetic just like most Nightlight Zone plants.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The inedible cousins of this plant have much tougher bark on their surfaces, and thus the branches are used by Cave Stalkers to make tools and shelters. These plants are also gathered for food, as well as making simple tools.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

These plants have been observed extending their thorns whenever a creature assumed to be dangerous comes near, as if they can sense their surroundings to some extent. The mechanics of this, however, are not yet confirmed.

Scientific Name

Altukarpo galazi

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

3 ft.

Average Weight

205 lbs.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dark grey bark, bright blue fruits

Geographic Distribution

• The Halocline Pits