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Modiostems (Medimnucaulis spp.) [Bushel stem]
Creator: Salty
Ancestor: Shootstems
Habitat: Ovi, Dorite Island
Size: 1-10 meters
Support: Woody Stem
Diet: Photosynthesis (Full Sun)
Thermoregulation: Ectotherm
Respiration: Passive (stomata)
Reproduction: Sexual (metagenesis, spores)

The End-Binucleozoic extinction rendered Wright without trees, thus allowing many species of flora to experiment with tree-like forms. One genus that took to the challenge were the Shootstems. Their rapid growth, vascularity, and durable offspring allowed the group to spread into the entirety of Ovi and diverge into the Modiostems.

Modiostems at full growth range from 1 to 10 meters tall and grow many shoots from a central root. Each shoot will produce leaves on alternating sides. Most species produce small leaves which remain flush to the shoot, with some species producing larger leaves which fully encase the shoot. Some tropical species have developed leaves which extend out from the shoot. The majority of species live in drier environments in their range, excluding deserts. They are sun loving and form open canopy forests.

Their leaves also serve a purpose in reproduction. While the shoot itself is the sporophyte stage, the leaves are the Modiostem’s gametophyte stage. The leaves are identical save for which gametes they produce, which are released from the underside of the leaf. Male leaves will release male gametes into the air to disperse. Once they reach a female leaf they will fuse with a female gamete and form a zygote. The zygote will be encased in a waterproof shell and then released into the air to disperse to a new location and germinate a new Modiostem.

There's a minor typo: "End-Binucliazoic" should be End-Binucleozoic.

had to double check on these, I was honestly surprised the ancestor was already vascular

Do these primarily live in arid biomes like their ancestor?

I added a line about them having more diversity in drier environments in their range, but not being present in deserts.

Do the gametophyte feed the sporophyte via a placental layer or something, or is water and nutrients a one way street with the sporophyte feeding itself? (While supplying water and nutrients to the leaves which then turn it all into sexual reproductive potential)

This post has been edited by colddigger: May 15 2023, 12:13 AM