Spadeleaf

The Spadeleaf is a large leaf-shaped plant, growing just about anywhere in the Plains, serving as food for a variety of creatures. Their main bodies are very lightweight, and can be found swaying with the ocean currents around them, similar to with a gust of wind on land. Below the bodies are seeds with hard shells similar to walnuts, which can be automatically launched at any immediate threat to the plant's survival.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Spadeleaves consist of a hardy stem supporting their giant leaf bodies, on top of which are smaller leaves that lay dormant for long periods of time. In between the smaller leaves are the plant's spores, contained within tough seeds for herbivorous creatures to feed on. The seeds are also attached to small coiled vines hidden from view, which can launch them at high velocity.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Spadeleaf will invest heavily in making sure its leaf body grows large and strong, as it will attract various herbivores. The creatures eat the large leaf, before consuming the plant's hardy seeds below, where the spores contained inside will pass through their digestive tracts and end up elsewhere. This plant also has the benefit of reproduction when defending itself. When it launches its seeds at a potential threat, the seeds have a slim chance of taking root right near the parent, if the shells can somehow break open.

Growth Rate & Stages

Young Spadeleaves will appear short and pudgy, with all of their leaves of equal length. As they grow older, only one of the leaves will grow larger then the rest, and the plant will gain its seeds below. The coils made to launch the seeds will also harden, and grow stronger.

Ecology and Habitats

This plant only grows in the Plains, and can take root in just about any surface, though most are found by themselves. Some individuals have been spotted growing out of the sides of certain rock formations, or in between a Copper Stem's roots. 

Dietary Needs and Habits

Spadeleaves are chemosynthetic just like most Nightlight Zone plants.

Biological Cycle

As the herbivores of the Plains eat the Spadeleaves' main bodies, they will diminish until they can no longer feed any more creatures. One of the smaller leaves above the plant's seeds will grow to take the other's place. Then, the new leaf will eventually get eaten to its bud as well, and the cycle will repeat.

Scientific Name

Folium ligonem

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

6 ft.

Average Weight

26 lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dark green body, brown seeds

Geographic Distribution

• The Sand Plains