Korshuum

As the inland areas of Fermi start to be colonized by flora, these organisms would proceed to die generation after generation. While these remains would be broken down by some decomposers like Supershrooms, all the decaying organic matter presented opportunities for other species to settle the region. This would take the form of some Fat Korystals moving inland, eventually splitting off and becoming a distinct species in their own right known as the Korshuum.

The largest difference seen from its direct ancestor is that the Korshuum breaks down decaying organic matter rather than merely absorbing whatever detritus is present in the soil. This change in diet correlates with the larger and much more extensive mycelium network, which grants the Korshuum a greater area for it to access decaying organic matter. If the mycelium network does encounter something like a rotting Teacup Sauceback or dead Fermiblades, they will release digestive enzymes to break it down into simpler compounds to then be absorbed. The mycelium can also still absorb nutrients from the soil, with these and the nutrients obtained from breaking down organic matter being used for energy. Any excess obtained will be then stored in the large bulbous trunk, which the Korshuum can use during lean periods where decaying organic matter is scarce.

While the Korshuum can bud new individuals from their extensive mycelium network, which they will often do during times of greater ecological stress, the three leaf-like crystals present at the top are still quite important for reproduction. These crystals branch out in a leaf-like shape, increasing surface area and thus also increasing the number of pores that they can release both kinds of haploid spores from. Instead of asexually releasing a spore that can be carried by the wind for long distances to then grow into an exact clone, the Korshuum has developed sexual reproduction, which in turn means that strategy no longer really worked. Instead, the species will release the two kinds of haploid spores when they detect heightened levels of moisture, which depending on the specific area the individual is growing in either results from a heavy rain or massive amounts of snow melting with the arrival of spring. Though the haploid spores can be carried a fair distance by the wind, they must land in water in order to actually continue the reproduction process. Once in water, the two kinds of haploid spores will merge with another haploid spore of their type, forming dikaryotic spores that 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 Korshuum. Their ability to utilize both sexual and asexual reproduction as well as being the largest decomposer in the region, despite being half the size of their ancestor, means the Korshuum is a highly successful species of flora within Fermi’s inland habitats.