Sarkaphyte

The Sarkaphyte is one of the only carnivorous plants in the entire Nightlight Zone, only growing in the wide open areas of the Fields. They mostly spend their time tucked inside their near impenetrable petals, only revealing their true forms when a prey item is nearby.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Sarkaphyte's roots are thick and heavy, built in a dome shape to keep the plant rooted in the strong currents. Above the roots lie its leaf coat hiding its seeds, as well as its petals, perfectly sealing the stem and mouth inside a tough armored shell. When need be, the stem can erect itself, and the petals can open to reveal a mouth with thin needles hugging the sides. The mouth opens four ways, with structures similar to jaws.

Genetics and Reproduction

Only once in their time, Sarkaphytes will release their seeds into the surrounding waters. These seeds are lightweight, with built-in fans made to catch the currents. The seeds will be carried by the currents to a faraway place, where they will eventually start forming their petals, and sinking to the sand due to their immense weight. Sarkaphytes are usually born in large groups tightly packed together, where they will then have to feed off each other in youth.

Growth Rate & Stages

These plants start out hiding inside their thick petals until their mouths and acid sacs start developing, where they will then begin feeding on their siblings to survive their youth. Sarkaphyte groups become bloodbaths within seconds, with each plant attempting to eat each other at random. The few that survive will be spaced too far apart for them to reach other, and they'll be able to survive off their kills from the bloodbath until they are mature. Once they reach maturity, they'll become strong enough to feast on the various shelled creatures of their habitat. If a Sarkaphyte is born alone, it''l have to try its luck with an already grown creature passing by.

Ecology and Habitats

Sarkaphytes grow in the Fields, and have only been found in wide open areas of sand. They appear to need the room for their roots to spread out effectively in order to detect prey passing by.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sarkaphytes, unlike most Nightlight Zone plants, are carnivorous, and will consume Crescenthorn Trilobites, Armored Nautiloids, and groups of krill that occasionally swim by their heads. When their prey gets within range of their roots, they'll come out of their petals and lash out at them, aiming their needle-like pseudo teeth for the head. Once caught, the Sarkaphyte will attempt to contain the victim inside their petals, where they will fill up with acidic gases to digest the meal for them. 

Biological Cycle

Sarkaphyte leaves shed a lot, and often pile up around their roots.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Sarkaphytes can sense the world around them with their roots. Certain roots have sensors on the tips, which lightly poke through the sand to be as inconspicuous as possible. When a prey item walks across a Sarkaphyte's territory, the sensors are set off, and the plant's mouth lashes out at the small creature.

Scientific Name

Dionaea marus

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

5.6 ft.

Average Weight

100 lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dark green stem, black petals and leaves

Geographic Distribution

• The Ash Fields