Pioneer Minicrystal

The pioneer minicrystal split from its ancestor the marine crystal. It re-adapted to freshwater and has shrunk to almost a 10th of its ancestors size due to island dwarfism. 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 minicrystal grow. When a pioneer minicrystal dies the fixed nitrogen is released making it available to other river flora and this helps to fertilize the muddy soil. In addition the pioneer minicrystal not only spreads nixus to new biomes but nitritus, nitratus and denitritus, thus completing the nitrogen cycle in barren biomes.