Lirex
Lirex are a form of seaweed
that exists as a large, pan-cake like mass of tissue. They are photosynthetic,
and drift through the oceans. In the event that they are washed ashore
or stranded by the tide, they continue to photosynthesize. When they are
out of water, however, they secrete a thick mucous like substance that
crusts over on their surface to prevent loss of water in the hot sun.
Yumps
Yumps are large tangles
of fibrous algae that drift freely in the ocean. A yump can be anywhere
from 2000-5000—cubic feet in volume. When the waters they are drifting
in recede, the Yumps become compressed as their space shrinks. Yumps can
survive even on dry land for a limited period of time, existing as thick
mats of green fibers. Yumps provide food and shelter for several smaller
animals, including the Nilps.
Yump Compressed
Yump Decompressed
Ocean Grass
Ocean Grass is a large
community of moss plants that take hold of the rock and gravel and set
down roots. Though they release many spores, colonies rarely are able to
get started. Once a few bits of the Ocean Grass have managed to plant themselves,
they absorb matter from the currents within their roots. Any substance
worth using they absorb, the rest they deposit at their base. Over time
a firm soil is accumulated, allowing more nutrients to be taken in, as
well as giving the Ocean Grass a better hold and allowing it to expand.
 |
This diagram shows two colonies
of ocean grass. One colony is older and well established while the other
has just begun to take root.
|
Miro-Weeds
Miro-weeds grow in shallow
water. Their roots are loosely rooted in the sand and gravel on the ocean
floor. They have long stalks, up to twenty feet, topped with a single flower
surrounded by eight large leaves. Under each leave is an air bladder. These
air bladders keep the plant afloat on the surface where it can take in
the sun’s rays. The seed pods that it releases are heavy, and sink to the
bottom. They will remain dormant as they are carried by the tide. They
begin to grow under two conditions. One is that they remain unmoved in
a still patch of water for some time, to ensure that the place they grow
in will be well watered, and also not too turbulent. They also must have
sunlight. If not enough sun reaches the Miro-weeds pod, the water is too
deep.
Submerged Weed
Emerged
Weed
