Coniflor

The coniflor split from its ancestor and moved into Dixon's arid regions. There, they colonized Dixon Dunes, one of the most inhospitable habitats on Sagan 4. In order to survive there, they underwent drastic changes that helped mitigate water loss, the first of which is the reduction in the number of leaves they produce. These leaves grow in clusters at the tips of their branches. The leaves themselves are reduced in length, making them less susceptible to water loss. The coniflor no longer sheds its branches during unfavorable conditions, as regrowing them is too costly. They instead shed their leaves during lean times, which are easier to replace. Even if it loses its leaves, it can still photosynthesize using its branches, but this photosynthesis is much less effective. The coniflor has switched to using CAM photosynthesis, in which the coniflor exchanges gasses during the night when it is much cooler. This drastically reduces the coniflor's water loss to respiration. Lastly, the coniflor's branches grow upwards, reducing their exposure to the searing midday sun. In addition to defenses against water loss, the coniflor has developed defenses against herbivores as well. The trunk is covered in thorns that discourage large herbivores from feeding on it. However, the coniflor's main enemy consists of small genus group fauna. In order to protect itself against these pests, it has developed a sticky resin that hardens quickly. When something punctures the surface of the coniflor, the coniflor will release a translucent, yellow resin that ensnares and suffocates the attacker. This resin smells similar to that of Earth's frankincense. The coniflor prefers to live on foggy, rocky hillsides. As a result, they're mostly found along the fog-laden border between Dixon Dunes and Jindy Tropical Beach. They are also quite common on the Dixon side of Dixon-Darwin High Desert. However, because of their inability to tolerate freezing temperatures, they are mostly restricted to tropical and subtropical environments, and never stray too far into high-elevation areas. Coniflors can also be found in grassland environments. They are quite common in Dixon Savannah due to the more tolerable climate. However, they are rarer in Dixon-Darwin High Grassland due to the cooler temperatures. The coniflor's method of reproduction has changed slightly. They still produce flowers that attract xenobees. However, these flowers are now yellow, which better contrasts with its purple foliage. The biggest change in the coniflor's reproduction is in its fruits. Instead of producing berries that attract frugivores, the coniflor produces small, dry capsules. These capsules require less water and nutrients to produce. Because these capsules are too nutrient-poor to attract frugivores, the capsules are instead covered in a thick coat of thin filaments that allow them to float in the wind.