Puff Rod

Puff Rod - Sebastian Romu © 2018

Description

Common Names

Puff Rod

Classification

Succulent, Cactus

A tall tubular cactus found throughout the Waejiran Desert. The long needles of this plant trigger the release of a spore jet when bent. Any animal inhaling these spores will undergo a cascading wave of adrenaline release giving them extreme energy, and the overwhelming desire to run erratically. As the victim runs they inhale the spores deeper into their lungs where they take root, and rapidly spread causing respiratory failure. The victim will eventually drop dead from exhaustion or suffocation. The deeply rooted spores rapidly grow to produce a new cacti sprouting out of the fresh corpse. New young cacti do not produce spores and can be safely handled. Puff Rods contain a powerful hypnotic substance useful for treating many sleep disorders.

Ecology

Rarity

rare

Distribution

Waejiran Desert

Life Cycle

Mature puff rods depend on animals to trigger release of spores which infest the animal. The animal will run until exhausted, suffocate and die, allowing the spores to fully root and produce new plants growing from the corpse.

Uses

Cultivation

Puff Rod is one of several dangerous plants specifically propagated along the forest wall between Waejir and Quzonia.

Culinary

none

Medicinal

hypnotic (pulp)

Other