Xenoalga

Off the shores of Arctica where the substrate is more rock then sandy sediment, forests of Xenoalga carpet the area in a thick wall of vegetation that in some places reaches the ocean surface. The tall retinalphytes are a haven for smaller, more agile herbivores from predators as well as a more stable food source then the temporary and ever changing fields of saragrasso. Pictured here a stand of Xenolaga on a moonlit night near Artica. [Creature design by Saurusblood and Kipzilla].

Basic Information

Anatomy

Xenoalga retains its ancestor's strong stem but has repurposed the buoyant gasses in the top leaf. The leaf has developed into two separate chambers that will contain the gasses and keep the Xenoalga tall and buoyant year round. Leaves have developed around the central stem similarly to the extinct Spiral Plant, though in the Xenoalga case the leaves are much larger to absorb more light. Xenoalga’s rhizoid has a suction cup-like base that keeps it firmly attached to rocks while it’s roots grow and dig into the surrounding soil.

Genetics and Reproduction

Xenoalga will once a year develop a third circular leaf at the top of its stem; this leaf will be filled with gametes and gass. Around the local vernal equinox the leaf will detach from the stem and begin floating on the surface releasing gametes as it travels. Should the gametes be fertilized by encountering each other in the water they will sink to the bottom and attach themselves to a rock.

Growth Rate & Stages

Once the rhizoid is attached to a rock it will begin growing roots around the rock and into the substrate, this process can take 1 local week. Once it is established the stem will begin to grow and the first few leaves will begin to appear. Once it reaches its first 50 cm the top leaves will curl in on themselves and begin producing the buoyant gasses, given good conditions this will occur after the first local year of its life. Growth begins to accelerate and the Xenoalga will reach maximum size after 4 local years given optimal growing conditions.