Nightspout (Nocturna nectaris)

Alias: None
Origin: Inland Thazvaar (deserts)

The Nightspout is a cryptic, desert-dwelling succulent native to Inland Thazvaar’s arid landscapes, known for its hidden, subterranean body and nocturnal nectar stalk that emerges briefly after storms. Its fleeting blooms attract nocturnal pollinators, supporting sparse desert ecosystems. Its presence indicates post-storm stability in harsh, water-scarce environments.

Terrain

Nightspouts thrive in Inland Thazvaar’s deserts, rooted in sandy, well-drained soils. They remain hidden underground except during brief post-storm blooms, absent in humid, volcanic, or coastal biomes.

Lifespan

Nightspouts live 15–25 years, reaching maturity at 4–6 years and producing seeds during rare post-storm blooming periods.

Height

Mature Nightspouts have a subterranean body 0.3–0.5 m deep, with nectar stalks reaching 0.2–0.4 m above ground during blooms. Younger plants (under 4 years) have smaller stalks, 0.1–0.2 m tall.

Uses

• Ecological Role: Supports desert biodiversity by attracting nocturnal pollinators during brief blooms, aiding seed dispersal in arid ecosystems.
• Cultural Significance: Valued by Thazvaari nomads for its nutrient-rich nectar, used as a survival resource; symbolizes resilience in desert cultures.
• Guidance: Track post-storm for nutrient samples; avoid harvesting during seismic activity, as stalks collapse easily.

Notes

Documented during the Era of Absolute Expansion (~3,000 years before modern Geba), Nightspouts were noted in the Comprehensive Field Codex for their role in Thazvaar’s desert ecosystems. Their elusive nature and brief blooms make them challenging to study but critical for post-storm ecological surveys. They remain extant, embodying survival in Inland Thazvaar’s harsh deserts.