Elamiini

Elamiini is a fictional plant species that appears in the speculative evolutionary scenario presented in the book "The New Dinosaurs" by Dougal Dixon. In this scenario, elamiini is a type of flowering plant that has evolved to thrive in the arid environments of a post-Cretaceous world. It is characterized by its leathery, succulent leaves, which are adapted for water storage. These leaves are typically a dull green or greyish color, helping to camouflage the plant against the dry soil and rock formations. Elamiini produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are pollinated by wind or small insects. Its seed dispersal mechanism is also adapted for dry conditions, often involving wind-borne seeds or seeds with specialized structures for adhering to animal fur. The plant's root system is extensive and deep, allowing it to access scarce groundwater. Elamiini plays a role as a food source for some of the herbivorous fauna in Dixon's imagined ecosystem. Its resilience and ability to survive in challenging climates make it a plausible component of a future flora.