Alloplortatus apatofrutex

As populations of Alloplortatus desertus slowly but surely spread across the zone in habitable areas, they began to face restrictions on where they could grow due to their large size and thus the amount of nutrients and water required to sustain them. Populations that were able to meet these challenges with certain adaptations would be able to thrive in areas where their ancestors can't do well in. This would eventually lead to a completely new species.

3 meters tall
Originated in Zone I (400 meters and up)

The most immediately noticeable difference between Alloplortatus apatofrutex and its ancestor is the reduced size, being only half the height of their ancestors. This adaptation means less nutrients are needed for the growth of the polyph and thus allowing them to survive in regions where nutrients are too scarce for their taller counterparts. The energy once used for the tall trunk can now also be redirected towards the roots instead. Their large root systems still help with accessing the water table deep underground, as well as collecting any rain that does come down at the surface.

Much like their ancestors, Alloplortatus apatofrutex retains several hollow chambers to store excess water that act as a reserve when there is little rainfall. If many of them are full, they will still grow inflexible, woody vines that then produce a cluster of flowers in August. One pollinated, the flowers will develop seeds that remain attached until the following rainy season when the tissue connecting the seeds to the vine will fill with water and the seeds will be launched by the pressure. Their growth is similar to their ancestors in speed, with the sapling only reaching 15cm in the first year with them growing another 20 centimeters in each proceeding year until full size.