Wallroot

Wallroots are some of the last photosynthetic macroorganisms one can find as one approaches the mesopelagic zone of Almaishah's ancient abyssal depths. Pictured here a stand of wallroots holds fast in the currents while a nightstalker investigates a shoal of sea sweepers. [Creature design by Kipzilla]

Basic Information

Anatomy

The wallroot resembles its ancestor in many ways, one major difference is the leaves and the roots that grow differently. They grow up to five leaves that grow straight from the stem horizontally, they are rigid near the center but flexible at the ends to resist the currents, they are still purple but photosynthesis has taken the backseat
Its has also grown a second set of roots that have a different function from the original underground roots, these new roots or Filter Roots are long strands that grow up to 20cm and catch minerals and small organisms which they absorb into their system and use to grow bigger and stronger.

Genetics and Reproduction

The wallroot reproduces by growing roots that expand out into any direction and cling to the rocky cliff surface with small strong roots, after about half a meter they will grow a small tuber from which a new plant will grow. It is also able to regrow from small bits of root and tuber that are carried away by the currents and get stuck in splits in new cliffs ready to be colonized.

Growth Rate & Stages

The wallroot grows mostly isometrically, and generally grows to a state where it can grow new expansion roots around the age of two years.

Ecology and Habitats

The Wallroot grows on cliffs and rocks all over the ocean, there are two subspecies, Wallroot Altum and wallroot Humulis Wallroot humulis grows on cliffs beneath 150m deep and grows longer Filter Roots up to 60cm, while wallroot altum grows above the 150m deep and grows the filterroots described above.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Boseo Magno

Scientific Name

Boseomuro mururudixia

Origin/Ancestry

Retinalphyta

Lifespan

14 local years

Average Height

33 cm