Wart Melon

The wart mellon is a boseo descendant, part of the same genus as kartobosean. These boseo plants have adapted to life in the shallow waters of interdidal zones of the equatorial continents. Pictured here in a calm bay on the coast of Natash. [creature design by Ding Dong]

Basic Information

Anatomy

The namesake melon developed from an enlarged rhizoid, originally meant to help anchor the plant in tidal zones but eventually became an important part of energy stores. In times of limited water it stores large quantities of water, and some nutrients to keep the plant alive, and as such, if the leaves and stem are removed with time and if the melon contains enough stores they can regrow new leaves. The main nutrient exchange takes place in extensions of the melon, a long whispy fan like "roots" which extend from the melon. But the melon itself, and the stems which is grow are covered in a thick bumpy striped rind, which is filled with cyanogenic glycocide, a toxic compound derived from simple sugars. This rind provides defense from herbivores with the toxin, as well as structure and to limit drying out for the plant while water may not be present to support the leaves.

Genetics and Reproduction

Once a plant has grown its three maximum leaves, a "root" with extend out and grow a small bulb, during this time a plant is vulnerable as it is dedicating many nutrients to asexually producing a small bulb which eventually grows into its own melon. Through this reproduction tactic Wart Melons can create large fields of the plant, all interconnected, and can even vaguely communicate by sending chemical messages through the roots such as distress chemicals. Some of the plants can respond by flooding their neighbors with their own toxin, to better protect them, or share more nutrients during times of need.

Ecology and Habitats

The wart melon is common in the intertidal zones in the tropics, specifically the southern coasts of Natash, all around Borea, and the western coasts of Ras al-Kalb. Wart melons also exist in brackish estuaries with some tidal depth variation.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The tropical coasts, especially the coasts of Natash, Borea, and Ras al-Kalb.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

You can usually identify the starting plant of an old colony, as they sometimes hoard nutrients for themselves, sometimes leading to the melon becoming greatly over engorged leaving very little to any of stem/leaves underwater in shallower habitats. So far no Wart Melon species have made the jump to being fully terrestrial. On average these plants are only around 2-2.5 inches tall, melon to leaf.

EXTINCT

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Boseo

Genetic Descendants

• Aquatuberus
• Violet Tree

Scientific Name

Kartoboseo stoidyni

Origin/Ancestry

Retinalphyta

Average Height

2" / 5cm