Name: Homashelix (Duoaetes spiraefolium)
Creator: HethrJarrod
Ancestor: Homashidis
Habitat: Darwin Taiga, Fermi Taiga
Size: 3 meters tall
Support: Woody Trunk (Lignin)
Diet: Photosynthesis
Respiration: Passive (Stomata)
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Reproduction: Sexual (metagenesis, spores)

The Homashelix has split from its ancestor and spread to the Darwin Taiga through the flyway. It has a continuous frond spiraling up its trunk, allowing it access to reproduction across its entire length. It can grow up to three meters in height, and has a lifespan of 25 years, reaching maturity around the age of 5. Their root system is also like their ancestors as well, broad and shallow, extending out to 1 meter from the base of the trunk.

To help it survive the winter, they move nutrients from the fronds into the trunk, like the Homashidis. At the end of the polar night, when the snow begins to melt, the Homashelix will shed its fronds.

In its ancestor, the Homashidis, the spore and the gametes are unprotected from the elements, hence its reliance on rainstorms. Rather than waiting for rainfall events, the Homashelix has developed a casing to protect the spores and gametes against drying out.

The casing is located at the base of the fronds of the Homashelix. When the fronds are shed, the capsules are carried along with them.
This casing dissolves when it comes into contact with water, allowing for the Homashelix to be more adapted to colder and drier conditions. This adaptation increases the amount of time the spores and gametes are viable before germinating.

This post has been edited by HethrJarrod: Mar 24 2023, 06:30 PM