CACTEYE - TIMELINE #7130882

(Timeline Tuesday #76)

Cacteye are a species of semi-sentient plant from a nearby timeline. Like most plant life, their size can vary greatly depending on the age of the Cacteye and the climate they’re grown in, although they typically stand approximately nine feet tall. This species appears similar to the natural cacti of our own timeline, featuring a light green body that consists of a rounded, singular trunk that protrudes from the dirt. Between one and four limbs will grow from the sides of a Cacteye trunk.

Cacteye are covered in sharp spines, which is one of their main methods of protection against various predators who might otherwise eat their juicy, succulent flesh. However, the tips of their limbs are covered with something much more unique. Cacteye appendages have eyeballs growing at the end of these stalks, which blink, water and roll around just like animal eyes.

This, however, is an over-simplification of this strange creature. Under the ground, Cacteye root networks can extend for miles and miles, connecting these plants into what often acts as a singular unit. Once the roots are intertwined, they can communicate with one another and send signals instantly across their native desert landscape.

If any creature human-sized creature passes by a Cacteye, the plants will immediately turn and point their appendages at this intruder. The limbs of a Cacteye will follow the movement of anyone they spot, but because of their large root network it could be a very long time until a Cacteye’s pointing halts. Other Cacteye within the network will also point, meaning plants several miles away will change position and start signaling as well. Once a Cacteye network becomes accustomed to a creature, it will stop pointing, but this usually takes about a week of conditioning.

This species of plant is often used as a natural security system. Many ranchers or desert-dwelling folks with large swathes of land will plant Cacteye on their property. Once the root system is accustomed to someone who planted them, Cacteye will serve to point out anyone who enters the area unannounced.