Lunabloom Phenomenon

Scientific name: Noctifolia exalora
Common Name: Lunabloom
Status: Unclassified, presumed post-Exalung mutation
Zone: Deadlands (New Europe Quarantine Region)

  The Lunabloom Phenomenon is a recent and ongoing botanical anomaly observed within the New Europe quarantine zone, commonly referred to as the Deadlands. It involves the sudden and temporary transformation of a native plant-like organism that appears inert for most of the lunar cycle, but undergoes rapid morphological change when exposed to direct moonlight.   The organism remains visually undetectable by satellite during daylight hours and resembles dead, leafless shrubbery at all other times. It does not register significant thermal or chemical signatures outside of its active phase. During full moons, however, the plant undergoes visible and luminescent transformation, unfolding into a structure composed of silver and violet bioluminescent leaves, translucent floral elements, and stalks that exhibit rhythmic movement in response to lunar alignment.   This transformation is limited to nights with clear visibility of the planet’s primary moon. Partial moonlight yields no effect. The structure retracts and collapses at dawn.   The phenomenon was first recorded via long-range optical drones positioned outside the Ashlands perimeter. Data gathered over seven consecutive moon cycles confirmed the regularity of the transformation and the absence of any such behaviour under solar illumination.   At present, the organism is not classified taxonomically. It is unclear whether it evolved after the Exalung event, was altered by it, or was introduced by unknown means.   No missions have yet entered the Deadlands to collect samples. However, the deployment of atmospheric-safe drones is currently under review. Concerns remain high due to the persistent presence of Exalung in the region’s environment.   If the plant is indeed a byproduct of Exalung, it would mark the first known instance of the pathogen producing viable, non-lethal biomass.   The working name among researchers is Lunabloom.