Crystal Oak

The Crystal Oak is a split of the Baobab Crystal Tree which moved into the then quite barren Huggs Temperate Forest. Being adapted for a much harsher climate and less fertile soil, the Crystal Oak experienced a growth spurt, now averaging in height to about 5m. It has developed crystals at the end of its branches to aid in photosynthesis, and the crystal 'fruits' which contain its spores now grow at the end of vine like twigs that connect to the branches, leaving the 'fruits' available for taller organisms to reach. The 'fruits' are not very delectable at small sizes, but the taste improves as the 'fruit' becomes larger. 'Fruits' will fall off when they have reached a certain size. The Crystal Oak uses this system to better spread its spores as larger 'fruits' contain more spores and will thus be eaten first, allowing the number of spores in the other 'fruits' to rise to higher levels. 'Fruits' that have an abnormally low number of spores are dropped earlier so as to stop wasting the Crystal Oak's resources. The Crystal Oak also exerts a certain amount of control over the opacity of the crystal 'lenses' in the main photosynthesizing crystal. It uses this control during the cold season to focus light on the inside of the crystal to keep the Crystal Oak warm.