Doc#: ARTEFACT-RECORD-641
Clearance: CLASSIFIED

Name: Clutchweed
Also Known As: Handroot
Identification Number: C2-052
Domain: 2/3/4
Threat Level: 1
Procurement Status: Acquired

Description:
A long-stemmed plant that grows in large clusters or “beds” that can often cover entire fields. Its flower is approximately 20 mm across and consists of three petals. The colour ranges, but is most commonly found in pink, white and cream variants. The leaves are long and waxy. The stem is lined with both thorns and toxin laced nodules.

Instead of roots or a bulb, Clutchweed has a hand-like structure at its base. See Anomalous Features for more information.

Behaviour:
Clutchweed is typically very peaceful, tolerating mild damage such as accidental stem crushing or petal picking. The hand usually remains hidden below the soil, but will emerge to relocate should the plant become threatened or should soil nutrients run low. In rare instances, the plant may attempt to defend itself through clawing and pinching. Clutchweed has also displayed a level of intelligence and potential altruism that exceeds typical plant behaviour. During mass relocation events, young or weak plants are herded towards the middle of a group, while larger plants defend the outer perimeter.

Anomalous Features:
Clutchweed’s hand has 5 fingers, each equipped with a sharp talon made of the same hard phellogen as the rest of the hand. A white mycelium-skin can be seen between the joints of the hand and can be found also under the bark. It is this network of hyphae that acts as the plant’s nervous system. However, this is not sufficient enough to explain the level of intelligence displayed by Clutchweed, especially considering the lack of a brain. This aspect is considered anomalous.

Preservation Protocol:
Clutchweed should be stored in the Greenhouse in beds of 3+ plants. The substrate should be 50 cm deep and procured from the plant’s original location. Ensure substrate retains a soil salinity between 4-8 dS/m. Water daily and keep well lit. Should the plant grow restless, introduce an animal-derived fertiliser.

Clearance Level for access should be set at CLASSIFIED.

Other Notes:
Clutchweed stored individually is not encouraged as they may attempt to seek out other plants for company.

Further Reading:
N/A