Pioneer Sandcup

The pioneer sandcup replaced its ancestor the sandglobe. It has developed large strong roots which it uses to break apart even the most tough soil. Its major success lies in its roots which allow for the growth of the nitrogen fixing microbe called the nixus. It has developed a symbiotic relationship with the nixus by creating nodules for them to grow in and in return the nixus produces a nitrogen compound that helps pioneer sandcup grow. When pioneer sandcup dies the fixed nitrogen is released making it available to other coastal flora and this helps to fertilize the sandy seabed. In addition as pioneer sandcup not only spreads nixus to new biomes but nitritus, nitratus and denitritus, thus completing the nitrogen cycle in barren biomes.