Anthozoa hyphae

Plant name: Anthozoa hyphae

Catagory: Fungi

Home island: Lylluna Reef (beaches)

Blurb: This type of mycelial growth is native to the beaches of Lylluna Reef, and is commonly found on large peices of driftwood or dead/decaying trees. Anthozoa hyphae mimics the appearance of vibrant tube corals, however it has a dark purple-ish tint near the centre signifying its somewhat toxic traits. The outgrowths are also somewhat squishy rather than hard like normal corals, and if it is still attached to the main body it can be squeezed to release spores. This is a sort of defense mechanism for the fungi as it can ward off potential preditors. It can be found in a gradient of saturated yellows, pinks and reds. Anthozoa hyphae can be easily identified by observing the dark wavy rings around the outgrowths making it easier to distinguish between natural tube corals. 

Practical uses: This fungi serves as a natural way to breakdown and decompose of driftwood on the shore. Once the entire mass has been fully eaten away at by Anthozoa hyphae, it often crumbles into smaller chunks of driftwood that later serves as fertilizer for other plants on the shore. However it does not exclusively eat driftwood and can be used to compost other dead plant matter for gardening.

Unique properties: Anthozoa hyphae travels through the sea breeze by spores produced from other outcrops, and land on driftwood that lines the shore. Once attatched, the moist salty atmosphere creates a perfect environment to take root and spread throughout the decayed material. Anthozoa hyphae sprouts all over the substance, and feasts on the decaying matter and microbes living inside the driftwood. Once mature, Anthozoa hyphae can release spores through the coral-like outgrowths and spread to other driftwood. If these spores are ingested or inhaled, it may cause some respitory issues and lead to a cold.

Lore: This fungi is not very documented but there is an old myth about the Lylluna reef. It is said that the corals in the reef had to compete for space and Anthozoa hyphae was nearly extinct. A kind stranger came and saw the poor plant and brought a propagule to shore and whispered instructions on how it could survive above ground and away from the competitave reef. It is speculated that this stranger was a member of the academy, and had placed a spell on the species to secure it's survival. 

Submitted By Yokinjo
Submitted: 1 month ago ・ Last Updated: 2 weeks ago