Magna Weed

Magna Weed is a species of Stone Weed that grows in underground areas that have a high concentration of Iron Ore. Rather than a mat, like terrestrial grasses/weeds, Magna weed (like other Stone Weeds) will form a rough sphere, or pocket whose actual size and shape will depend on the local environmental conditions, and so it is often referred to as a "colony," although it consists of thousands or millions of individuals "blades" like a terrestrial grass.
Miners are always happy to find a Magna Weed colony, because they can mine and extract iron ore from the colony much more easily than from ore.  Essentially the Magna Weed has done much of the processing of the iron ore already, and iron can be extracted from Magna Weed at a much lower temperature than from regular ore.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Looking much like a brown terrestrial grass, Magna Weed is much tougher, and actually magnetic, having a high iron content.  It forms a colony of sorts rather than a mat though, the size and shape dependent on local conditions.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like most Stone Grasses, Magna weed propogates both asexually, and sexually through seed propagation.  Magna weed can self pollinate

Growth Rate & Stages

Magna Weed can grow at a rate of about an inch in thickness every year for thousands of years.
When a seed is in a proper environment, it's seed case pops open along a seam, using a manamagnetic force to separate them.  The seed will then start to sprout, creating a ball of Magna Weed that will grow until it has used up the resources it requires in the area, at which time the colony will produce seeds to be spread.

Ecology and Habitats

Underearth, veins of Iron that also have low levels of moisture from local hydrology.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Iron Ore, increased regional mana density, low levels of moisture

Biological Cycle

A number of underearth creatures find dessicated Magna Weed a desirable food source, particularly Purple Worms.  The seeds are tiny spheres about one tenth of an inch in diameter and protected by a hard iron shell.  If they are collected, they will look like tiny beads.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

It is said that some Dwarven Druids have managed to create a magical dust known as "Rust Dust" from fresh and live Magna Weed.  "Rust Dust" is able to accelerate rust in metals almost as quickly as a rust monster can, and is highly prized by those seeking to battle creatures that rely on metallic equipment.  Those that use "Rust Dust" will normally avoid using any sort of metal themselves.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Scattered throughout the underground near iron ore.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Can sense iron ore, the seeds will pop open when they sense proper environmental conditions.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Magna Weed is symbiotic with Purple Worms and other borrowing creatures that feed on them.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Stone Weed

Lifespan

Unknown, but it seems likely that given the proper conditions it can grow for thousands of years

Discovered by

Umin Hardbreaker