Colony Stalks

At first glance appearing to be four different species the colony stalks are actually a eusocial sunstalk descendant. The general layout of a mature colony has an outer ring of defensive phytids with a ring of spore producing phytids slightly further in and a central core of photosynthetic and storage phytids. Although only the spore phytids produce airborne spores which can grow into a new colony all members are capable of reproducing by sending out sideways roots which can grow into new individuals. The defence phytids (1) spew forth an irritating dust made of sharp edged protein particles which are a modified version of the ancestral spores. because only the protein coat is produced and not the spore itself the volume of dust produced is much higher. This dust doesn't travel far on the wind and is simply a deterrent to herbivores. Photosynthetic phytids (2) are dominated by their massive "skirt" of leaves and do not produce any spore material. They are the source of most of the colony's sugars. Storage phytids (3) actually play a role in nutrient acquisition as well as storage. the massive bulbs and tap roots allow them to both reach deep into the ground and survive lean times. More than one colony has been regenerated entirely by a single storage phytid. They can also remain dormant for prolonged periods of time. Spore phytids (4) exist only to produce airborne spores to disperse the species. Because any one phytid can produce all the rest, and all casts are capable of surviving on their own, colonies can survive truly spectacular disasters that would otherwise wipe them out.