Dwarf Obsiditree

The Dwarf Obsiditree replaced it ancestor in the Dixon Alpine region. Due to the sparce competition of the area, it has shrunk to one fourth of its former size and has become highly adapted to its harsh environment. Like its ancestor, the Dwarf Obsiditree is a keystone species that provides nutrients to the soil as well as bedding to other organisms.

The overall shape of the Dwarf Obsiditree is very similar to its ancestor aside from the leaves which have become smaller and more rigid with sharp pointed ends similar to Holly plants. This change in leaf structure provides the species with protection from herbivores that may try to eat them and reduces water loss from the leaves and overall water with in the plant. In addition, the Dwarf Obsiditree has become evergreen to take in all the sunlight it can get during the year.

Living in the cold Dixon Alpine, the Dwarf Obsiditree has developed two mechanisms to keep from freezing and obtain warmth. The trunk and branches of the organism are dyed black by the same pigment used for photosynthesis; this gives it the ability to warm its entire body via sunlight more quickly than if it used only its leaves. The plant is also able to store this heat somewhat using its large sap-filled trunk and thick roots to hold in the heat during night time. The Dwarf Obsiditree also utilizes certain proteins found in cold tolerant Terran trees that act as an antifreeze. These antifreeze proteins have the added benefit of making the flora toxic to any organism not adapted to eating it.

Spores are usually released in early to Mid-fall and will overwinter in the ground before germinating in spring. The Dwarf Obsiditree is a slow-growing yet long-lived species, surviving upwards of 100 years due to fewer predators in the Dixon Alpine.