The soonumba is a creeping herbaceous plant native to northeastern Esgaia. It grows in nutrient-rich, well-drained soils, often at the base of suntowers or climbing their trunks.

Etymology

Unknown.

Morphology

Soonumba stems are slender and flexible. Blossoms are arranged in double whorls: an upper ring of six lilac to royal purple flowers, and a lower ring of six darker blossoms. Each flower releases a distinct earthy-green fragrance. Fertilized flowers produce compound berries containing hard seeds.

Physiology

Long-lived for an herb, reaching 8–12 years.

Mechanisms

Stems produce a clear glue-like secretion that allows them to attach to bark or stone. Berries are coated in a diluted variant of this sticky substance, enabling dispersal by adhesion or ingestion.

Behavior

Life Cycle

The plant blooms once a year in late February.

Social Structure

Colonies spread widely across rocks and tree surfaces.

Ecology

Pollinators include sungel featherflies and northeastern Esgaia dwarf finbirds. The sticky coating allows seeds to be dispersed by dwarf finbirds (via ingestion) or accidental adhesion to larger animals. The stickiness poses a hazard to smaller featherflies.