Caedyn: Dead Wood Tree
The Dead Wood Tree is a unique decomposer plant, native to Caedyn's post-fracture world, that specializes in living off of the nutrients of decaying plants and other organic matter. Having a close relationship with fungi and bacteria that live around its root system allows it to survive in low light environments, completely bypassing the need for photosynthesis. What these microorganisms do is break down the nutritious rotting bodies of plants or corpses into bioavailable foods for the tree.
Structural Properties
Wild Dead Wood Trees are identifiable by their lightweight, spongy membrane found beneath their light brown husk bark. This spongy membrane resembles a stack of rotting parchment firmly pressed together and is great at absorbing moisture. Dead Wood Trees that are harvested with potent vegetarian diets tend to provide higher quality husk bark, and spongy membrane that has much more durable fibers, and better moisture absorption which can be used for temporary survival solutions.
Typically, signs of a tree with poor health is reflected on the overall appearance of its leaves. Contrary to documented biology, Dead Wood Trees self-cannibalize their very own foliage as an evolutionary adaptation. The very same cultures of microorganisms that break down other decaying matter for the tree, recycle these dry leaves right back into the tree. In fact, the over abundance of dry leaves on a Dead Wood Tree indicates that it's culture of microorganisms have stopped functioning properly due to the low fertility of the "corrupt soil". These leaves will then begin to break down on their own and act as spores, spreading towards new ground.
Growth Requirements and Irradiated Soil
"Corrupt dirt" is an occurrence of soil that contains high concentrations of radiation and mutated organic compounds (worms, fungi, bacteria, etc.). This combination allows for these organic colonies to metabolize a variety of compounds that have otherwise been toxic to other living species. Dead Wood Trees particularly benefit from these nutrient-dense substrates. Many Dead Wood Tree harvesters have attempted to artificially reproduce this environment for experimental breeding, but the precise microbial ecosystem is not yet fully understood resulting in far less potent "corrupt dirt".
Harvesting Dead Wood Trees can quickly become an environmental biohazard, as the tree's root system has the capability of invading even healthy soil, potentially destroying nearby crops or plant life. The roots themselves secrete enzymes that are similar in function to those used by pitcher plants to break down tissues directly within the soil. While the tree cannot readily absorb these newly broken down tissues without the help of the microoganisms, it will eventually die on its own, but the residual effect of the enzymes will make it difficult to recover lost crops. Infected soil can last from months, into years, depending on the severity of the Dead Wood Tree infestation, and if the initial diet of the tree was potent.
Nutrient Optimization for High-Quality Bark
"Corpse wood" is a nickname given to the premium bark, which forms when Dead Wood Trees feed on people near death or recently deceased corpses, before decay and rigor mortis sets in. Near-death organisms release a stress-related chemical that stimulates the enhanced lignin. The more nutritious a corpse is, the more dense and tougher the bark becomes. The best way to identify high quality bark, is to seek for a dark red, coagulated blood brown appearance and the stench of cooking rotting pork. Animal carcasses are one way of obtaining bark, but most animals have vegetarian diets which results in bark that is just better than husk bark, while omnivorous animals do tend to produce a usable-grade bark. Due to the varied diets of people, their corpses provide the most amount of nutrients needed for the best bark.
When harvesting "corpse wood", the tree will release a black sap that is a byproduct of metabolizing carcasses and corpses. As of now, no direct use has been found for it, but its thick, tar-like consistency has made it popular for cosmetic and ceremonial applications, such as war paint.
Applications and Ecological Role
The Dead Wood Tree has become integral to many of the post-fracture civilizations of Caedyn. When harvested with a strict vegetarian diet, the spongy membrane beneath the husk bark serves as a temporary shelter due to its ability to absorb ambient moisture. The "corpse wood" bark is highly sought after for it's nearly unbreakable strength and versatility in the use of tools and weapons. Those who cultivate "corpse wood" understand the ethical and logistical complexity of its macabre fertilizer requirements, and most importantly take excruciating measures to prevent the root system from invading the surrounding ecosystems.
Regardless of how useful the cultivation and harvesting of Dead Wood Tree can be, it requires a careful understanding of its ecological challenges. While wild Dead Wood Trees don't require intervention, trees harvested for "corpse wood" need constant vigilance as they cause a rapid buildup of its microorganism colonies and toxins. This buildup will make it difficult to control the spread of the root system, thus making prolonged settlement habitation difficult.