Sereusserius

Sereusserius is a fictional genus of desert-dwelling succulent plants created for use in educational simulations and speculative biology narratives. It is not a recognized genus in real-world botany, and no specimens exist outside of its fictional contexts.

In the fictional taxonomy, Sereusserius is placed in the family Aizoaceae and is described as a monomorphic genus containing three described species: Sereusserius mirabilis, Sereusserius aridus, and Sereusserius noctis. Morphology features cylindrical to columnar stems with pronounced ribbing and paired conical spines. Leaves are reduced to tiny scales along the ribs. The inflorescence consists of solitary, diurnal flowers at the stem apex; petals are orange to pink in S. mirabilis, yellow in S. aridus, and white with lavender centers in S. noctis. Fruits are dry capsules that release flat seeds when mature.

Distribution and ecology in the fictional setting place Sereusserius species in arid uplands of the continent of Eremia, where they are adapted to extreme temperatures and scarce rainfall. Pollination is described as primarily by solitary bees, with wind playing a secondary role in seed dispersal. The genus is portrayed as drought-tolerant, with CAM photosynthesis assumed as an adaptive feature in the lore.

Etymology and cultural use: The name Sereusserius is a constructed Latin-style binomial used in the narrative and has no direct translation. The genus appears in field guides and educational software within the fictional setting, cited as an example of desert plant diversification. See also Cereus and Mesembryanthemum in related fictional taxonomies.