Roof Vine

Roof Vines are long draping plants growing from the roofs of the Pocket Caves. They mainly serve as food for the inhabitants, and their only defense is to use the creatures to reproduce faster than they get eaten.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These vines consist of a cluster of leaves attached to the ceiling or wall of a cave, the thick roots hidden just beneath, stretching far into the rock. The main body of the plant consists of a single large leaf loosely hanging from its leaf cluster, with a groove down the middle for its spores to travel down to the ground. On the end of this leaf are several strands of plant matter branching off from the tip, made to brush against any creature passing beneath and pass on the spores.

Genetics and Reproduction

This plant relies heavily on animal dispersal to ensure its gametes' survival. Because these plants droop from the top of the caves, various creatures will brush against them when trying to navigate. The vine produces handfuls of spores to subtly travel down its main body, and attach themselves to the passing creature. They will stay attached for a little while longer, long enough to find a different place from where their parent grew, before falling off by chance. The spores will then manually climb to the roof of the cave by sprouting tiny legs, before taking root.

Growth Rate & Stages

These plants will start out appearing as circular leaf clusters attached to the cave roof. Over time, their main body will continuously grow longer, until the tip splits into several strands. It spore glands will only develop in adulthood.

Ecology and Habitats

These plants grow in the Pocket Caves, sitting in the roof, gathering the water that drips to the floor of the cave. They only exclusively grow on the roof, and rarely in the walls, and they often grow next to one another.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Roof Vines are chemosynthetic just like most Nightlight Zone plants.

Biological Cycle

The tips of these plants have a habit of catching dust that drifts through the air, and over time, they can be stained a light brown.

Additional Information

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

These plants will exploit every cave inhabitant for its reproduction, but its favorites have been known to be large active creatures, such as the Armored Proboscis Worm and the Giant Cave Crab. Some of these species will also attempt to manually get rid of the spores on their bodies.

Scientific Name

Vitus tectus

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Weight

20 lbs.

Average Length

5 ft.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Green in color

Geographic Distribution

• The Air Pocket Caves