Liu Tree
Lius are tall tropical trees native to northeastern Fokuhai, bearing magenta leaves year-round. They thrive best in hot, humid weather, but will not survive in swamps due to evolving for ground that drains quickly. Due to their massive height, liu forests are known for being dark, with much smaller plants littering the lower layers.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Liu trees continously grow throughout their lifetime, reaching up to 180 feet (60 meters). Some older trees may be taller, but this is rare. Their long, crooked roots reach deep underground to stabilize themselves and collect as much nutrients as possible in the rocky soil. Liu branches are shorter along most of their trunk, suddenly twisting into string-like forms at the top where sunlight is best reached.
Genetics and Reproduction
Liu trees produce hundreds of liu nuts, which naturally fall off and are moved by the frequent, heavy rainstorms. These seeds pelt any shorter trees around them, decreasing the chance of the other plants out-competing the liu trees. The shells protecting the seed also prevent animals from eating it before it can begin growing. Once the seed breaks free from the shell, it begins growing into a sapling. From then, the tree continues rapidly growing in size to reach the sunlight before the surrounding flora can block it off. A liu tree continues growing for the rest of its lifetime, though typically begins thickening more than growing taller once it reaches a similar height to the surrounding trees.
Ecology and Habitats
Liu trees grow best in wet, tropical environments with quickly-draining soil. If their roots sit in watery soil, they may quickly begin to rot. Saplings will quickly die off if the air isn't humid enough, or if their roots aren't moist at all times. Adult liu trees can survive for an extended period in wet temperate climates, but will perish after a few years due to the repeated cold damage.
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