The dragonroot tree is a patient predator.
It remains still with the tail-end of its roots lying half-buried in
the earth. Attracted to the sweet aroma of its fruits, animals and
other creatures unfamiliar with the dreaded dragonroot tree
approach it. Once a prey is within reach, the dragonroots burst
from the ground and attack it. Like crocodiles fighting over food,
the dragonroots' jaws clamp over the target, pull, and shred it into
pieces. Usually, the prey is instantly killed from the bites alone.
Those that survive the initial onslaught eventually succumb to the
dragonroot's toxic venom.
The mighty dragonroot tree is one of the most dangerous
carnivorous plants one can encounter. It resembles a 24-foot tall
kapok tree with a 10-foot diameter trunk. Its branches form a
thick crown of foliage that can reach 40 feet in diameter. Hanging
from its branches are over a dozen 1-foot diameter sweet-smelling
fruits that resemble yellow-green watermelons. Six giant 20-foot
long buttress roots extend from the base of its trunk. Each of
these serpentine roots ends in a dragon-like maw filled with sharp
wooden tusk-like protrusions that appear to serve as its teeth.
Each of these teeth drips deadly venom.