Predatory Nulise
A carnivorous plant found on an island in the Nenian Ocean
Basic Information
Anatomy
These plants are believed to grow to about 3ft high. They have long oval leaves growing from the stalk and thinner leaves that grow from the tendrils that extend out over the ground and wrap around trees. Each tendril also has at least one large dark green cone shaped structure. This structure can snap open and closed and when open the thorns that fill the inside bear a disturbing resemblance to jaws. The roots of this plant don't extend beyond about half a foot below ground and tend to spread in four directions.
This plant creates a single large flower. The underside of the petals are a deep brown, making it hard to distinguish when the flower is closed. When the flower opens it reveals the upperside to be red with small yellow spots. The flower appears to be scented to attract detrivores.
Dietary Needs and Habits
These plants appear to need both nutrient rich soil and substances from animals in order to survive. It is likely they were adjusted to be this way to counter vermin, but it is difficult to be sure. The plants wait concealed amongst other greenery until something moves along the ground nearby. The plant picks up the movement through vibrations on the ground that can be picked up by it's tendrils.
The plants attack with their tendrils, trying to first ensnare prey. The plant's roots aren't attached too firmly to the ground and they can tolerate being pulled up if the prey proves to be on the larger size. The plant attempts to subdue it's prey with the jaw like cone structures on it's tentrils. It's objective seems to be to cause blood loss rather than strike a killing blow, and from what has been observed the plant has no decision making ability to target specific parts of it's prey. The thorns appear to contain a mild toxin which could be emough to paralyse small creatures but poses little threat to a person unless struck numerous times.
Once prey is subdued the plant digs it's tendrils into the body and drains out any blood. It then uses it's tendrils to reposition itself atop the carrion so that it can sink it's roots in as the body decomposes.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Against his better judgment the Curiosity's cook, Merric Brambletop, was persuaded to try using this variant of Nulise in his dishes. After getting the ship's cleric to check for poisons, Merric used the larger leaves as part of a salad, waiting patiently for others to try it before he would risk a mouthful. It proved a surprisingly pleasant addition, though everyone agreed that you would have to be very sure of what or who it had been eating before trying more.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
These plants are only known to grow on a single volcanic island in the nenian sea. They were found during the HMS Curiosity's maiden voyage, with Captain Seamus Havendon recording the details about them in his log. They were actually uncovered by a trio of mercenaries who were working on the Curiosity and found the plants by walking into them while exploring the island.
Discovered by
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