Membrain Tree

The Membrain Tree is difficult to categorize, as it is composed of fauna and coral species living in symbiosis, though the PDA places it in the flora category. It is one of the dominant plants in the Grand Reef, along with Anchor Pods. It is mostly found attached on rock ledges in the biome. The Membrain Tree also grows along the Sea Treader's Path.

The Membrain Tree is purely decorative. It can be harvested for Membrain Tree Seeds by using the knife, which can then be planted.

Up to 6 seeds can be collected by slashing a Membrain Tree. The fifth slash grants 1 additional seed and, contrary to most flora, doesn't destroy the Membrain Tree itself. It will simply not give more seeds if it is knifed again.

The seed can be planted in an Alien Containment or an Exterior Growbed: it takes 1100 seconds (18:20 minutes) for a mature Membrain Tree to grow from a seed.

They serve only as decoration and have no purpose in crafting.

Appearance

The Membrain Tree seems to be a symbiosis of pink microfauna and blue corals encased with a bulbous, transparent membrane on a thick stub. It emits bright blue and pink bioluminescent glows.

Data Bank Entry

This entity defies neat categorization. It consists of more than one coral species working in tandem to create an insulated microcosm enclosed within a translucent membrane. Found exclusively growing on basalt rock in the grand reefs, the homeostatic conditions within are considerably warmer and more dense with microbial life than the outside environment, and the bright purple fauna inside will likely die off quickly if exposed.

Gallery

• In-game view
• Ditto, taken at night
• A close up view of a Membrain Tree
• A cluster of Membrain Trees in the Grand Reef
• A Membrain Tree in the Sea Treader's Path
• Size reference with the Player
• Membrain Trees as seen in the official Grand Reef Concept art
• Model from Sketchfab

Trivia

• An organism of this type would actually be classified as a "colonial" or "colonian," being a grouping of separate organisms in a relationship similar to a single organism.
• While it is classified as "flora" in game terms, it is not particularly clear if any element of the "tree" is actually a plant. The coral element certainly is not, as coral is a type of invertebrate animal.
• The Membrain Tree's name might be portmanteau of "Membrane" and "Brain", referencing the structure's resemblance to a brain.
• Before the Bladderfish was added, Membrain trees could be used to create water.
• The Membrain Trees vaguely resemble Metroids, from the eponymous video game saga. Both are hard to categorize species with transparent membranes showing their insides.

Spoiler alert: The following section contains story related material.

The Membrain Tree used to be a key part in crafting Hatching Enzymes. However, the recipe was changed.