Cnidra

Cnidra

The Cnidra is one of the more common water plants in the galaxy. Its unique features and fragrant blossoms have secured it a place as a staple in water gardens throughout the galaxy. It also has commercial and military uses.

Taxonomy

The Cnidra plant is one of the most unique water plants in the galaxy. Completely aqueous, the Cnidra blooms biannually, producing gorgeous white and red petals. The red bleeds into the white, leading to a transitional look that is quite appealing. However, beneath the water, the Cnidra, known to researchers as Khidra picadura has specialized traits which have greatly increased its popularity. Below the waves, the base of the Cnidra plant has multiple small stalks with finger like projections on them surrounding the flowering stalk. These projections function like stinging tentacles. They sting anything that comes close to the flowering stalk, protecting it from potential fish predators. However, this is not the only special adaptation. The bulbous circle at the middle of the stinging tentacles functions as a kind of gills, filtering carbon dioxide and nutrients from the water and expelling oxygen. This allows the Cnidra to have no surface leaves whatsoever. This incredible adaptation has lead to extensive research from various military units in attempts to augment their frogmen.

Gardening and Uses

Because of its gorgeous flowers, the Cnidra is found in water gardens through out the galaxy, adding a sparkle to any floating flowerbed. It does not tolerate cold well however, so warmer water year round is a must. Due to the stinging tentacles, it cannot be planted with in touching distance of another plant that has underwater leaves. However, the flowering stalk and the flower have no poison so they can easily be touched by other plants. It is frequently planted near water intakes at various stations to prevent unauthorized access. Some smaller military bases use it as well to wound unsuspecting frogmen. Research is currently underway on a number of potential uses for Cnidra, ranging from augments to frogman breathing, to weaponizing the toxin found in the tentacles.