Sun-Catcher Stalk

The sun-catcher stalk has split from its ancestor in the Dacmat Island woodlands. It grew to over double its size to out compete its rival species for light. It works in the same way as its ancestor, opening one side of its chamber as the sun rises and opening the other when the sun goes down. The ‘leaves’ have developed two distinct features. The first is a tough support cover. This large sheath is designed to support the second feature. A very wide, highly photosynthetic leaf designed to soak up as much sunlight as possible. The reproduction has changed slightly. In stead of releasing spores from its inner chamber it stores them inside a brown compartment. When ready this compartment detaches and falls to the floor. On impact it will burst open allowing the spores to float in the wind. This method of reproduction means that the sun-catcher can quickly take over an area and block out most of the light. This way it can make the most of good locations. As it grows, the base of its trunk develops a hard covering. Although this is not photosynthetic, it is designed to deter herbivores such as the borent (Ungurodent suidaemimus).