Rupee Tree

The rupee tree evolved from the terra grove as a result of some individuals growing taller. The rupee tree no longer pulls its roots from the ground to form branches. Instead, they germinate with the seven main branches and thirteen main roots that will ultimately give rise to their root and branch networks. The branch network consists of tightly packed branches that form an unbroken canopy. Any exposed surface on these branches will be encrusted with short, octohedral crystals. The root network comes in a similar configuration, with the main roots being tightly packed, collectively forming a taproot. Secondary roots will then protrude from the taproot. This taproot allows it to draw water from deep underground, making it far more successful in dry climates than its cousin, the treecrystal.

The rupee tree gets its name from its hexagonal crystal capsules. These capsules were derived from atavistic crystals that look similar to those of early petrolignum species. These capsules are hollow and contain male or female reproductive organs. Rupee trees are diecious, with individual trees being either male or female. Male capsules will contain one large, branching strobilus that produces large tufts of pollen. The female cone contains many smaller, unbranched strobili that ultimately produce countless, small wind-dispersed seeds. When the strobili mature, the bottom of the capsule will decay and fall off, exposing the strobili to the wind. Pollen will then be blown from a male tree to a female tree. Because of this wind-reliant method of seed dispersal, they are rare in heavily-forested biomes, as their seeds cannot travel far from the parent tree in the still air of the forest’s understory.