sandorius

Sandorius is a fictional genus of desert-dwelling flowering plants created for use in speculative biology and narrative worldbuilding. In this context, Sandorius comprises several species adapted to arid, sandy soils and extreme temperature fluctuations. Morphology centers on a compact shrub form, typically 20–60 cm tall, with thick, waxy leaves arranged alternately and small, bright flowers that range from pale yellow to orange. The fruit is a dry capsule that releases seeds after weather events irregularly spaced by rainfall.

Habitat and distribution: Sandorius is described as native to dune fields and transient valleys in a large arid region called the Zaara Basin and adjacent deserts. It is drought-tolerant, with deep taproots and extensive shallow roots to capture surface moisture.

Ecology: It forms associations with mycorrhizal fungi and helps stabilize sand dunes through its root networks. Its seeds exhibit dormancy that is broken by a sequence of rainfall pulses; germination periods can align with the onset of monsoonal rains.

Taxonomy: In the fictional taxonomy used for worldbuilding, Sandorius is the genus in the family Sandoriaceae, order Deserti, class Magnoliopsida. Etymology: the name derives from Latin sandus, meaning sand, and the suffix -orius.

Uses in fiction: Sandorius plants are depicted as important in desert restoration narratives and as ornamental elements in arid-zone landscapes within speculative settings.