The suntower is a tall evergreen tree found across sparse forests and occasionally in plains. It is dioecious, with male and female individuals producing distinct reproductive structures.

Etymology

From English sun + tower.

Morphology

Mature trees usually reach 16–20 meters. The bark is pale yellow-brown, soft and malleable but resistant. Leaves are evergreen, thick, lightweight, and white year-round, forming an elongated canopy. The tree produces small clusters of yellow flowers with a purple-black gradient.

Physiology

Leaves are resistant to weathering.

Mechanisms

Female trees produce small, spherical white seed pods containing elongated blackish-brown seeds. The pods secrete a fragrant sticky liquid.

Behavior

Life Cycle

Suntowers take 8–9 years to reach maturity and live up to two centuries. Flowering occurs year-round. Seed pods mature over 6–7 months before falling.

Social Structure

Suntowers are highly competitive for light, forming tall canopies that overshadow nearby vegetation.

Ecology

Attracts pollinators such as the sungel featherfly. Seed dispersal is carried out by seed-eating animals. Nectar and pollen from male flowers are collected by featherflies as a key ingredient for sungel.