False Cocktus

False Cocktus
Creator	D̜͙̟͉ìn̨̹o̬̗C̼̮̣͡óaͅt͜
Information
Status	Extant
Common Name(s)	False Cocktus
Zones	M
Roles	Producer
Classification
Genus	Prolixa
Species	Prolixa metriapatros
Evolution
Date	March 15th, 2019
Ancestor	Unknown
Descendants	No results

Although this polyph appears eerily similar to Phallucaulis semaprogandos and is distantly related, it actually functions surprisingly differently than initially expected.

Prolixa metriapatros (named for its wide stature and striped pattern) uses a completely different tactic to spread its tiny seeds from the stem, which produces a viscous, sticky substance to protect the seeds and provide saplings extra nutrition. Instead of depending on pressure to release the seeds, Prolixa metriapatros actually builds up its seeds and leaves them exposed. This is to attract the zone's consumer, Moraldubious patrawermis, who will climb the stem and into the hole to consume the nutritious substance. In return, some of the seeds attach to the Moraldubious patrawermis' skin using the viscous fluid to stick, and this helps them to disperse.

Prolixa metriapatros grows to fifteen centimeters (15cm) in height and has a diameter of seven centimeters (7cm). It uses dark green and dark purple pigments to photosynthesize, which are darker to help the polyph absorb heat energy and protect it from UV radiation. Four thin, evenly spread leaflike structures extend from the side- they help catch extra sunlight for the polyph without spending too much energy. Roots extend underground in a straight manner to collect water from the soil. Prolixa metriapatros takes four to five weeks to fully grow and reproduces asexually.

Once winter arrives in Zone M and it becomes too cold and dry for the polyphs to survive, the Prolixa metriapatros will drop dead. This is not a worry though, as their seeds would have been distributed by now and are protected by the sticky liquid coating. The seeds will stay dormant through winter and will germinate in the spring, to grow and produce more seeds of their own. Around three (3,000) to five (5,000) thousand seeds are typically produced within a successful individual's lifetime.