| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Anchored |
| Category | Algae |
Kasha Algae is a Lifeform.
Databank Entry
Alveola tragos. Lithoautotrophic algae that grows in knobbly clumps on the sides of tufa towers.
1. Lithoautotrophy
Kasha algae extracts minerals from the tufa towers by infiltrating the rock's porous structure with microscopic filaments that secrete weak organic acids.
2. Camouflage
Kasha algae consists of a soft, spongy core of royal purple, protected by a thick bubbled crust of calcium carbonate. This mineralised skin mimics the exact color and texture of the host tufa.
3. Explosive
High kinetic force is required to penetrate the algae’s armor. Once breached, acid sacs near the surface flood the surrounding calcium carbonate, triggering an explosive cloud of carbon dioxide gas.
Assessment: not edible. May thrive in human stomach acids. Do not lick.
