Upshroom

Split off from the Ruboreal, the Upshroom is parasitic, growing on top of taller flora. Its roots are able to dig into Petrolignum trunks and branches, letting it steal nutrients while it collects high, unfiltered sunlight that would otherwise be reserved for larger flora. In its higher position and without ground for subterranean spores, it now exclusively reproduces through airborne spores and budding, the latter of which it does more often now to increase its potential spore reach. Budded individuals usually erupt from the trunks of the crystal flora they infest. Like its ancestor, it has a strong stalk which helps it to grow in steep or otherwise unconventional conditions.