Branching Stemleaf

Branching Stemleaf has developed a new body form. Primary growth occurs much as it does in its ancestor, with a single stem rising from the soil. When this first stem reaches 3 centimeters tall, secondary growth begins. This secondary growth is comparable to budding, as a new stem identical to the first stem will begin to grow from the base of the first stem. The growth of new stems will continue from the base until the Branching Stemleaf is fully grown at 12 centimeters tall with 5 to 7 branches. This branching body form allows it to control a larger area and thus have more success obtaining light. Each branch is capped with a set of 4 leaves. It is otherwise much like its ancestor. It possesses a simple root system, and reproduces via airborne spores which germinate once they reach soil.