Xylocalen Fungi

Xylocaylen fungi are a form of fungus native to a small remote world located in the Roselexian Sector, called Hexius, where they are regularly ingested by the native population. The fungi enjoy a symbiotic relationship with their Hexian hosts feeding on abnormal blood cells that, when left unchecked, will multiply rapidly causing severe seizures. The fungi are provided with nutrients, and in return, they provide the Hexians with protection from a genetic degenerative cellular condition.  

---

 

Ecology & Habitat

  This tiny form of fungi begins it's life inside the flesh of the manza fruit where it quickly multiplies to form interconnected colonies that look like a fine deep red lace-like pattern within the light orange fruit when it is cut open. Once the manza fruit is ingested, the fungi make their way into the blood stream of the individual where they will live out the remainder of their lives until eliminated by their host along with other bodily wastes.  

---

 

Diet

  Xylocalen fungi love to feast on the abnormal blood cells commonly produced by the natives of Hexius. The fungi will continue to gorge themselves until they become bloated and die. At that point, they are eliminated from the bloodstream along with other waste products.  

---

 

Geographic Origin & Distribution

  Xylocalen fungi are native to the remote world of Hexius where manza trees are grown, and up until recently, were only found there. However, a lucrative black market trade for this unique form of fungi has developed throughout the Roselexian Sector.  

---

 

Domestication & Use

  Once only growing wild in the forests of Hexius, manza trees are now cultivated for the fruit where xylocalen fungi begin their lives. The fruit is harvested and distributed throughout its native world, and beyond, taking the fungi along with it. Natives of Hexius begin ingesting this fungi from birth to provide protection from seizures caused by a degenerative blood disorder that is common there. However, when consumed by non-natives, it is not so beneficial since their bodies don't produce the abnormal blood cells that xylocalen fungi thrive on. In small doses, it simply causes a feeling of euphoria when the fungi affect the nervous system as they starve within the bloodstream, but in larger doses and when consumed too often, the dead fungi begin to accumulate faster than their host's body can eliminate them leading to all sorts of internal damage and possibly even fatality if consumption is continued.