Desert Trunkpuff

The desert trunkpuff split from its ancestor. The desert trunkpuff's trunk is, like its ancestor, made of dead cells. It also has a hollow center for storing what little water it needs to survive. The underside of its caps have developed small needle-like spikes in order to help defend it against herbivores, as well as aid in the collection of water. The desert trunkpuff is also capable of a suspended growth state, which it will go into during the dry season. In this state, it shuts down and barely maintains life functions. It doesn't photosynthesize as much, and it conserves as much water as possible. Also during this state the desert trunkpuff won't grow its spore buds. It will however get taller and have a thicker trunk. This happens because it will dehydrate the outer cells, giving it a layer of protection against the heat.