Kralptus

The Kralptus evolved as a result of a population of Armored Krelp moving into Darwin desert. Already somewhat well adapted to survive on land, the kralptus has come to perfect its ability to resist desiccation. They no longer rely on their flotation crystal to support them. Instead, they use their large, thick segments to provide support. In between these segments is a very narrow opening leading to the stomata. The recessed nature of these stomata greatly reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation. The thick segments also serve to insulate the kralptus on cold desert nights. The kraltptus' flotation crystal no longer fills with methane but instead is porous and stores water. The same applies to the reproductive crystals, but they still retain their original function. Their metabolism and growth rate is far slower than that of their ancestors, allowing them to make the most of the few nutrients they have access to.

Because of a lack of nutrients and the distance between individuals, the kralptus' mode of reproduction has changed dramatically. The reproductive crystals now concentrate their spores into soft, hollow sphere-shaped growths that grow along the edges of the crystals. These growths contain inert gametes. When a large rainstorm occurs, raindrops will dislodge the growths from the parent plant. Because rainstorms in deserts are often torrential, these growths are often carried over long distances and settle in vernal pools. There, the gametes will be released from their container, and fuse with the other gametes that have accumulated in the pool. Upon fusing, the gametes will sink to the bottom and begin developing rapidly, consuming any gamete or gamete sac that remains in the pool. It will first grow an anchor, much like its ancestor, before growing its water storage crystal. From there, the kralptus will stop subsisting off of organic matter and begin using photosynthesis as its main form of gaining nutrients. The kralptus will then slowly grow until it reaches its maximum size. Because of their decreased metabolism and hardy nature, kralpti are capable of living for up to 160 years.