The Lorel Whitebranch

The Lorel Whitebranch is a tree native to the planet of Lorel (Unsurprisingly). It is notable for it's appearance, in the fact that it is almost pure white, as well as the fact that both the top and the bottom of the tree feature leaves, with an exposed trunk in the middle. Horticulturalists believe that the reason for this is to both encourage herbivores to simply graze on their lower leaves, while leaving the leaves highest and closest to the sky intact.
Additionally, it is noted that when the trunk snaps, the lower section of the tree will be raised up, becoming the upper section, while a new lower section blooms forth. The purpose of this is believed to be to prevent against the elements, as Lorel's weather is prone to violent storms. Finally, it is noteworthy that this is one of many "Mirror Species" discovered in the sector, as it produced Maple Syrup when the tree is "Tapped". Research was done into why this is the case many years ago, however it has been lost to time as a result of The Scream.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Whitebranch species features 2 sets of leafing branches, as well as pure white bark. Their leaves are green-blue, and grow to be quite tall, about 30 meters in height.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Whitebranch reproduces as standard for Earth plants. They undergo asexual and sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction is done via flowering, with pollen being carried with a "Parachute"-style wind-catcher.

Biological Cycle

This tree tends to keep it's leaves year-round, as the weather on the planet never gets cold enough to require it to shed. Instead of growing concentric rings, the bark on the tree will instead break off the tree during the hottest part of the year, causing some of it's syrup to leak and coat the exterior. It will then expand as far as required, before bark is re-grown.
This allows the wood to be used to make very smooth cuts of material. Additionally, the syrup is essential to the birth cycle of several animals, which feed on the coating and provides them with nutrients to live. This is believed to have begun as a coincidence, but is thought to have allowed many species on the planet to propagate, and potentially avoid extinction.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

This plant is often used for it's Maple Syrup, making Maple Syrup a staple even in the depths of Space.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

These plants can be found widely around the North and South of the planet of Lorel, they are extremely prolific and can grow in many areas, excluding The Devil's Divide

Scientific Name

Lorelus Acer Album

Origin/Ancestry

Lorel

Lifespan

400 Years

Average Height

20-30 meters

Average Length

6 meters

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The plant is bright white, with little in the way of markings. It's leaves are Green-Blue in colour, using a different form of chlorophyll.