Boona Crystal

Having split off from their ancestors, the Boona Crystal has colonized the Bono Flood Caves, mainly found within the nonphotic zone of the cave system. Much like their ancestors, the Boona Crystal does not photosynthesize, obtaining its energy by breaking down dead organic matter such as carrion and consuming chemebas through their root system. The crystals themselves lack any kind of pigment, being completely transparent. Having long since lost the ability to produce toxins, Boona Crystals rely upon their crystal shells for protection against any creatures that might try to nibble on them.

One of the most prominent changes seen in the Boona Crystal, however, is the development of sexual reproduction. During the wet season, when water levels are highest in the cave, Boona Crystals release two kinds of haploid spores into the water. These spores will merge with haploid spores of the opposite type from other individuals, becoming a dikaryotic spore which will then merge with a different dikaryotic spore. The resulting spore modula is the final fertile state, being able to eventually grow into a whole new Boona Crystal. The development of sexual reproduction allows the Boona Crystal to maintain high genetic diversity despite their limited range, resulting in their dominance in the deeper parts of the cave. This strategy only works in water, however, which alongside the fact these crystals need to remain fully submerged means the Boona Crystal does not do well within the photic zones of the cave. In this area, these crystal flora are only a uncommon sight near the nonphotic part of the cave where water levels remain higher.