Banksia Farming (Libuscha + Rogue Planet Fluff)

Given the diversity of habitats and life forms present on the Rogue Planet Libuscha, the vast stretches of rolling 'Banksia Plains' are host to an ecosystem that's remarkable for entirely different reasons.



Firstly the Banksia Plains are periodically and suddenly flooded with devastating effect.  Waters from Libucha's seas heave up into huge tsunamis, scouring the land of virtually all life.  The indigenous Banksia (Banksia Libuscha) however have adapted to and thrive in this harsh environment, with the floods playing a vital role in their life cycle and survival.

Whilst the name "Banksia" can be traced to a long-extinct Terran shrub, the Banksia Libuscha is a hulking, aggressive omnivore.  An adult Banksia trunk is typically 2 meters thick and 5 or more meters high, and comprises of a single central 'spike' surrounded by dozens of clam- or oyster-like like protrusions referred locally as Banksia 'mouths'.

During times of flood, these mouths allow this plant analogue to absorb huge amounts of biomass in the form of plankton, algae etc.  Banksias are also opportunistic hunters, quite capable of biting-off even heavily armoured limbs, and as a result, Banksia plains are largely devoid of other life forms.

Similarities with Terran flora and fauna do not end there.  In the same manner that Terran oysters secrete nacre, Banksias generate a similar, typically round and much sought after Libuscha Pearl.  One major difference is the catalyst for the process: Terran pearls are the result of the animal attempting to deal with an irritant, whilst Libuscha Pearls are evidently used as bait or lures by the Banksia.

Libuscha Pearls are unique to Libuscha and their size, beauty, medicinal and other properties make them a valued commodity.  The term 'Banksia Farm' is often applied to the vast stretches of plain in which the Pearls are located and harvested.  Cultivation has unfortunately proven futile, as Banksia only generate their Pearls in order to lure their prey.  One method that does deliver higher Pearl yields involves the release of lifeforms into the Banksia Plains - the Banksia apparently sense lifeform and, in an effort to attract the same, accelerate their Pearl production.

Another interesting feature of the Banksia is its ability to move.  Banksia can and do both herd and migrate, seeking out and hunt new sources of food or even moving to lower ground in anticipation of floods.  Fortunately their movement rate is in the region of a 5 meter a day; however, their numbers, resilience and sheer tenacity make for a danger that should not be underestimated.

Needless to say, Pearl farming is a dangerous affair.  Trying to pluck a Pearl from a Banksia mouth is dangerous enough, but when coupled with the constant threat of tsunami, flash floods and being hunted by the Banksia themselves, it very quickly becomes apparent why the Libuscha Pearls are so expensive.  All attempts to employ harvesting robots, domesticate the Banksia and artificially reproduce their Pearls have been for nought.  The Banksia farmer of today is essentially the same as the Banksia farmer of yesteryear: either an extraordinarily courageous individual, someone driven by desperation or both.