Spinetower

Over countless generations within a hostile, arid environment, several descendants of the sunleaf eventually gave rise to the spinetower, a giant member of the sunstalks that is specially adapted to life in the deserts of Fermi island. To aid it in this endevour, it has evolved several beneficial features. The leaves of its ancestor have given rise to defensive spikes that deter most herbivores, as well as reduce water loss. Its coloration has become more pallid as a defense against overheating under the hot sun. Reproduction can be costly in terms of water usage, so spinetowers only release spores after the rains have come. This ensures that both they and their offspring have maximum access to life-sustaining water. Other than these features, they do not differ all that much from most other desert sunstalks. In Fermi High Desert they have stunted growth and only grow up to 1 meter in height.