Description:
The Dumus acus appearance is that of a round leafy bush, with long, thin, leafless branches jutting out in all directions.
by Peculiaris
They generally have 1-8 flower-eyes, similar in appearance to a large daisy. The center of each flower is a compound eye, built from thousands of tiny retinas. The petals of the flower can open and close and serve as eyelids, protecting the eye. The flower-eyes are usually closed during the night, not because the Dumus acus sleeps, but because they have very poor vision in dark conditions.
The Dumus acus has one main branch with a bulbous center, from which all other branches grow. There are two types of branches: one is the flower-eye stems, essentially eye-stalks; the second type is the vine-like branches that make up most of the bush. These are flexible and capable of some movement, allowing them to shift slightly in order to catch sunlight for photosynthesis. From these vine-like branches grow thin branches that are grow the leaves.
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These smaller branches harden over time, and when the leaves dry and fall, they become one of the spike-like branches jutting from the center. Interestingly, they become separated from the vascular system, but remain attached to the vine-branches, embedded in their cortex. The ability of the vine branches to move, allows the Bodkin bush to use their dry branches, in a similar fashion to porcupine quills: a shiver of the vine-branch will release a shower of hardened dry branches that can cause some damage. This defense mechanism is activated to deter leaf-eating animals from feeding on the Bodkin bush leaves or flowers. Atlan of Suurin (years unknown, Yuan dynasty) that Bodkin bush spike-branches become harder and sharper after disconnecting from the vascular system, but current data is insufficient for conclusions.
Habitat:
Dumus acus prefer open environments, with frequent winds that help them roll once they detach from their roots, and can generally be found in steppe or savanna environments. Dumus acus found in steppe climate generally have smaller leaves than the savanna Dumus acus, and are thought to be two different appearances of this species.
Diet:
Photosynthesis.
Habits & Culture
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The Dumus acus have a rather unique reproduction methods. They do not produce fruits or seeds, instead, once the plant reaches maturity, it disconnects from the root and is sent away rolling with winds. The root will then accumulate nutrition and begin to germinate again, developing new leaves and growing another bush. Meanwhile, the mature Dumus acus will tumble on the winds until it finds ready soil. Then the bulbous center of the bush will begin to transform, and as the old bush dies, losing its branches and leaves, new roots will bind the center to the ground, and when spring comes, new leaves will sprout, developing another bush.
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