Fleu

* Seed
* Tree

## Statistics

**Fleute** /ˈflelte/, shortened as **Fleu** /fleʊ/, are a species of plant-like organisms.

Fleus in the motile stage are called a *seedlings*, sometimes also called *ambulants*. Adult fleus are called *trees*. A group of seedlings is collectively referred to as a *garden*, and a group of trees is called a *grove*.

## Biology

### Physiology

While in the motile stage, the fleu body can be divided into torso, legs and arms, with no discernible head or neck. The seedling sees through a single large eye in their torso. Just bellow the eye is its mouth, which never fully closes, used only to breathe and produce sound. Their plump bodies serve mostly as energy reserves, as they lack an internal digestive system. The legs are elongated and stem-like, ending in two-toed feet with specialized tissue that absorbs water.

The arms, also stem-like, are longer, ending in leaf-shaped appendages with a sticky surface. The fleu feeds through these appendages by catching insects and debris floating in the air. The digestion happens outside the body through enzymes produced by these structures. Fleus mature into trees typically 12 years after birth, after which they root themselves in place.

In the sessile stage, the fleu grows larger, with various branch-like structures growing from the main body. These are new feeding appendages similar to the arms, although unable to be moved. The eye remains unchanged, appearing smaller in proportion to the larger body.

The feet develop into a bulbous structure with four studs that fix the Tree in place, from where a root system emerges. The roots work similar to the previous state's feet, absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. The studs are able to move, and, occasionally, fleu will uproot themselves. This happens rarely as they will have to grow a new root system. The arms remain similar but often become asymmetrically positioned

In all life stages, fleu are able to photosynthesize through symbiosis with an algae-like organism in their skin.

### Lifecycle

Adult fleu periodically grow flower-like organs along their feeding appendages, with both male and female reproductive structures. The male parts produce a powdery substance that when transferred to the female structure leads to the production of eggs. Fleu eggs are jelly-like, translucent, and flexible, protected by a gelatinous covering. They form in clusters that hang directly from the appendages. When observed closely it is possible to see the embryo inside the egg as it develops.

### Colonies

When two or more adult fleu are rooted near each other they may choose to merge trunks and roots to form a *colony*. Colonies share a circulatory system and have some converging nerves, thus sharing water and nutrients as well as hormones and nerve signals.

## Psychology

Fleu are most active during the night, spending the day sleeping while basking under light.

Fleu communicate amongst themselves through a mixture of whistling and pheromones. Whistling is used as a basis for their languages, while the scent of pheromones displays emotion and is more akin to body language. Fleus produce a number of chemicals depending on what they're feeling at a given time; the more intense the emotion, the stronger the smell.

* **Fragrant**, floral scents, like lavender or perfume, are a display of joy.
* **Sweet** smells, like vanilla or caramel, show trust and good intentions. **Fruity** smells, like strawberries or pears have similar meanings.
* **Citrus**, lemony scents shows interest and alertness.
* **Minty**, peppermint-like smells show nervousness or agitation.
* **Nutty** smells, like popcorn or peanut butter, shows boredom or idleness.
* **Woody and resinous** smells, like freshly cut grass, mushrooms or moss, show sadness.
* **Chemical** smells, like kerosene, ammonia or turpentine, show irritation.
* **Pungent** smells, like garlic or vinegar, are highly offensive, and show ill-will.
* **Decaying** smells are more violent than pungent ones. Like rotting meat or burnt rubber.

As they develop, seedlings help cultivate their parent by ensuring it gets enough light, fertilizing soil, and raising insects as a food source. After growing, seedlings often leave their parent groove to find another fleu to plant roots nearby.

## Culture

Whether and how much a Tree cares for its children varies greatly among cultures, with some viewing Seedlings as second-class citizens. In the most extreme of cases, cults have formed where Trees are worshiped by Seedlings, and periodically demand live sacrifices.

If a Tree parent dies, its orphaned Seedlings will look for another to help grow. Normally, when a Seedling dies its body is used to fertilize the parent Tree; in some cultures this custom has developed into a proper burial ritual.