Rambling Crushfern

A demonic vascular plant known for its ability to revive from a dessicated state.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Crushferns grow in a roughly ball-like structure of many fern-like leaf tendrils.

Genetics and Reproduction

Crushferns propogate through spores, and can also grow from cuttings.

Growth Rate & Stages

Crushferns take fiv years to fully mature from a spore growth.

Ecology and Habitats

Crushferns are adapted for desert environments, able to go long periods without water by slowing their metabolic processes to almost nothing.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Like many demon plants, the crushfern is a predator - but unlike other demonic plants, it is not carniverous. Instead, it soaks up the blood and water from its prey's body before leaving the dehydrated remains for scavengers.

Biological Cycle

In periods without percipitation or other sources of water, the crushfern goes into a state of near hibernation where is tendrils dry out and turn brown as it curls into itself. Once it comes across a new source of water, the tendrils unfurl and turn bright green.

Behaviour

Crushferns are ambush predators, using their dried out brown coloration to blend into their surroundings. When an animal approaches, crushferns are able to quickly unfurl and wrap around their prey, crushing them to death almost immediately as they curl back into themselves. This usually crushes every bone in an animal's body, which causes death from shock if the initial attack fails to do so.

Additional Information

Domestication

Crushferns are one of the plants often kept as familiars by the high level clergy of Iescula, particularly in the southwestern region near Gavonar. It is through a combination of techniques that a priest will capture and tame a wild crushfern to prove their worthiness to move up in the ranks.
However, as crushferns are practically immortal provided they recieve appropriate nutrients, most familiars are passed down rather than caught in the current era.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Crushfern flower petals are used as a pain mitigation medicine.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Crushferns are found in the Volcanic Wastes.

Lifespan

Indefinite

Average Height

3-4ft

Average Length

8-10ft radius