Tecticerafrons

***Tecticerafrons*** is the basal-most living member of the Xerokerinouphytaceae. It's form is similar to the Cacti of earth (having reduced scutes and pseudofronds, using the stem for photosynthesis), with the exception of a roof-like structure.

## Habitat

This genus is near exclusive to high albedo sands of hot deserts, being found in Occidentis and northern Media Insula (Thron).

The only species known from other environments is the widespread species *T. inversum*, which is present in lower albedo hot desert, as well as in hot semi-arid areas of northern Media Insula.

## Fossil record

This genus is relatively rare in the fossil record, with the earliest being from around 83 million years ago in northern Media Insula.

Extinct genera from the broader Tecticerafroninae are more common, going back at least 101 million years, but also seem to have been endemic to Occidentis and Thron.

## Sub-Genera

Two sub-genera are known, *Clivitectifrons* & *Planitectifrons*.

*Clivitectifrons*, generally known as house-rooves, are endemic to Occidentis. It includes species such as *T. clivus* & *T. tugurium*, which have steep sloped roof structures. Most species of this sub-genus also have the apex of their roof extend up in the air as a column, colloquially known as a chimney. *T. veneficus* is an example of a species with a bent chimney.

Example species:

*T. clivus* (45 degree house-roof)

*T. tugurium* (Cottage house-roof)

*T. veneficus* (Witch-hat house-roof)

*Planitectifrons*, generally known as flat-rooves, are almost entirely restricted to northern Media insula, with a single controversial species, *T. serraplanus*, being from Occidentis. It includes species such as *T. umbrella* & *T. planus* that have shallow sloped roof structures, at least towards the apex. One big exception to this is *T. inversum*, in which the roof-like structure is funnel-like.

Example species:

*T. planus* (Disk flat-roof)

*T. serraplanus* (Buzz-saw flat-roof)

*T. umbrella* (Desert parasol)

*T. inversum* (Funnel-roof)

## Roof-like structure

All species of the genus grow this structure, being fused fronds. The height at which an individual grows before developing this structure is dependant on the albedo of the surroundings, with higher reflectivity resulting in growing it earlier and lower reflectivity resulting in growing it later, once taller.

When fully formed all living tissues of the structure destroy themselves, leaving a skeletal shell. During severe sandstorms, this structure can be lost, though is eventually regrown if the individual is healthy.

The structure provides shelter for organisms in the harsh desert. The preferred tenants are territorial ones that prevent herbivory and zygote predation, though even neutral or damaging tenants gather nutrients in the form of excrement.

Some species such as *T. veneficus* provide a more regulated temperature under their canopy allowing more specific relations.

## Spore case

This genus has the typical elongate spore case, being dispersed primarily by scavengers, though also potentially by tenants of the roof-like structure.

Spore cases are grown at the base of the fronds, in pairs, as in all other members of the Xenokerinouphytaceae, except *Igniceragranum*.

If an individual lacks a roof-like structure at any time, it will stop producing spore cases until a new one is grown.

## Parasitic relations

*Cerafrondviscum* effects most species, the Occidentis species are typically effected by the generalist *C. globus*, whereas the holoparasitic pseudofrond mimic *C. minutus* effects most Media Insula species.

More specific species also exist, such as the roof-like structure mimic *C. villa*, which is only known to effect *Tecticerafrons tugurium*.

Media Insula species also typically have to contend with the the largely reflective root parasite *Parasiticeraradix* *albus*.