Draining Stump Plort
Populations of Miniplortatus abductioradix began relying more on parasitic nutrient uptake as light competition intensified and neotenic forms developed. The mature form resemble a sapling with their reproductive organs in this stage, eventually becoming a fully parasitic species.
2-3 feet tall
Originated in zone 5A
Much like the saplings of their ancestor, Miniplortatus exbibotruncus steal the nutrients of their neighbors through their roots which will grow out until they come in contact with the roots of nearby polyphs. Once the roots do contact roots they release enzymes to beak down their own cell walls and the cell walls of the host polyph, causing them to fuse together. The roots passively absorb the nutrients for themselves via osmosis in order to sustain themselves. Since they do not grow into tall leafy trees anymore, they spend their whole lives in this state. Since they do not grow photosynthetic leaves, the Draining Stump Plort has lost their pigmentation causing them to be a whitish brown color.
Around 45 days after they first sprouted from the ground they develop reproductive organs. Their short height means the seeds don't go very far in terms of being blown away.
