Pillow Moss
Basic Information
Anatomy
Pillow moss is most of the time green in appearance, turning various colors as iron, calcium and other nutrients from its food is deposited in patches along its network of interconnected moss. This species of moss has a base made almost entirely of pulvinus material,a type of growth made of a vascular core which contracts to facilitate movement.
Biological Traits
Secretes a neurotoxic to paralysis and eventually kill comatose creatures. It uses poweful enzymes to break down its prey.
Genetics and Reproduction
This plant reproduces asexually expanding its numbers as more food is added to the system.
Growth Rate & Stages
New grow expands slowly as it works to build is pulvinus base, starting low with few leaves as the parent moss it is networked with provides most of its energy. The plants in sections of storage are often older and if enough of one nutrient is stored it may die off and later absorbed as needed.
Ecology and Habitats
Pillow Moss only grows naturally in Viridis Pyle and the Fae forest
Dietary Needs and Habits
Once a trespassing creature is lulled by the forests magic and drifts to sleep the moss secretes a paralytic sap that with high enough concentrations stop lung and heart function. It then begins to move over the creature, moving slowly in the span of a several hours. Once covered it begins to produce an enzyme and break down the flesh and eventually bones. This process takes several weeks to complete. Absorbed material is then transported through special vessels into storage sections of the network. These can then be distributed to other parts of the forest where plants are lacking.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Some local townsfolk have figured out how to keep it alive and growing. They often line their garden with it and feed it food scraps,rancid meat and bone pieces, it, in turn, fertilizes their garden.
Its paralytic sap in small doses is used as a topical analgesic. Only residents of @Kymenos
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Found in Viridis Pyle Pillow originates in the Fae forest
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Pillow moss has evolved to sense when a creature has been befallen from the magic long imbued in the Viridis Pyle forest. It can also receive chemical signals of other plants in order to share nutrients.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Any plant in its network have a symbiotic relationship, giving and receive nutrients as needed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulvinus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thigmonasty,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thigmotropism
Scientific Name
Bryopsida pulvinus
Lifespan
5-10 years
Conservation Status
The long forgotten magic within the forest protects it from harm.
Average Height
3-4 inches
Average Weight
2-4 lbs for most individual plants. 30-40 lbs for consuming patches
Average Length
Individual plants are 1-4 ft. Connected patches span most of the forest
Geographic Distribution
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