Automorphs

Broadly colonizing, possibly sentient, and otherwise unorthodox plant-type that does not need to occupy soil in order to survive. Automorphs can grow on nearly any surface, organic or not, thanks to what is believed to be an ethereal psychic root system that allows the plants to anchor themselves and pull sustenance from wherever they decide to live. Though generally harmless, automorph infestations can be a nuisance for their ability to complicate crop harvests, blanket homes and objects, and even plague living hosts. Some specialist botanists choose to cultivate automorphs throughout their greenhouses and homes, with the occasional — usually Cathectic — botanist extending such plantings upon living creatures or their own bodies (see: dermagarden).

While the creation of dermagardens has abated over the last century, botanical armatures have surpassed the exotic practice as a somewhat less committed, temporary surrogate. Besides their continued use as ceremonial and/or religious vestments, botanical armatures have become increasingly popular as fashion items.