SCP-XXXX: Plant Cyborgs (L.E.M.O.N.I.M.P.S.)

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures:

SCP-XXXX is to be grown in

SCP-XXXX-1’s live in enclosures with plenty of sun or proper artificial lighting, floor is soil (of different kinds, loamy, sandy, etc, fertilizer, and pH’s depending on plant species, kept watered, humidity, etc.). SCP-XXXX-1’s will sometimes “sleep” on soil, small roots are extruded to draw nutrients, most are photosynthetic.

SCP-XXXX-1A
SCP-XXXX-1B
ETC.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a single-celled amoeba-like organism that can congregate with other SCP-XXXX to form large, multicellular, mobile colonies, similar to the slime mold family [species name]. Unlike typical members of this family, however, SCP-XXXX remains totipotent. Depending on the chemical and environmental stimulation, the normal amoeba-like form of SCP-XXXX can change into cells that resemble neurons, muscles, and other animal tissue, and even plant and fungal tissue. Its genetic makeup contains a core set of its own genes, as well as genetic data from up to hundreds of different plant and fungus species. The majority of plant/fungus genes found in SCP-XXXX DNA is strongly correlated with the plant/fungal species in the environment the SCP-XXXX sample was collected; however, there are often smaller sets of genes matching species only found thousands of miles away.

When an SCP-XXXX colony has reached approximately 20,000 cells, it will seek out and attach to nearby plant and fungal hosts, forming a mutually symbiotic relationship. During the formation of the symbiosis, genetic data is exchanged between host and SCP-XXXX in a process similar to horizontal gene transfer [1]. Plant or fungus hosts with attached SCP-XXXX display a greatly increased lifespan, as well as remarkable environmental adaptability; non-carnivorous plant SCP-XXXX hosts, for example, might develop carnivorous organs over the course of several weeks, helping them out-compete other species in the ecosystem. These newly-formed organs on host plants or fungi correspond with the regions the SCP-XXXX has formed its symbiotic connections to the host.

When the SCP-XXXX colony on a host plant or fungus reaches a size of at least ~200,000 cells, it will cover itself in a “cocoon” of host external tissue and undergoes a drastic form change: through a process that is not yet understood, the SCP-XXXX develops into a “creature” with features normally only found in the kingdom Animalia. This process can take weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the creature. These SCP-XXXX creatures (hereafter called SCP-XXXX-1) vary in complexity; most have a brain, nervous, and muscular system, and sometimes optical or auditory systems. All SCP-XXXX-1 will have tissue types that were present in the host, as well as other plant and fungal features that were not necessarily found on the host: photosynthetic leaves; specialized leaf organs like thorns; flowers and/or fruits; mycelia; fruiting bodies; roots; and a wide variety of other tissue typese have been observed. SCP-XXXX-1 display behaviors that could be associated with wild animals: they flee predators, or fight back when cornered. The intelligence of SCP-XXXX-1 ranges from that of small mammals (e.g. squirrels) to [REDACTED].

The cells of SCP-XXXX-1 retain the same cellular plasticity and adaptability seen in SCP-XXXX. In fact, SCP-XXXX-1 that develop near human settlements display the remarkable ability to incorporate human-refined metals and technology into their bodies. SCP-XXXX-1 will collect technological parts from trash, or sometimes steal small tech items from cars or homes, find shelter, and attempt to integrate the technology in a way that benefits it. Dissection of these “cyborg” SCP-XXXX-1 specimens revealed that SCP-XXXX cells can [[bond to and properly interpret the electrical signals of wires (edit to describe more realistically science-wise)]], forming complex cybernetic connections naturally that rival the most advanced cybernetic technology developed yet by humans. For this reason, and because the intelligence SCP-XXXX-1 seems to grow the longer they live, capturing SCP-XXXX-1 specimens found in the wild and returning them to the Foundation for study is a high priority.

DESCRIPTIONS OF SCP-XXXX-1 SPECIMENS COLLECTED SO FAR (listed in order of specimen recovery):
[[Ross Note: The SCP researchers like to have contests to give fun new nicknames to the newly-discovered SCP-XXXX-1 creatures, based on their features; a tradition that started after the original “LEMONIMPS” was a big hit. Some ideas: “Slothicopter”, “SPUDPUPS”, others….]]

SCP-XXXX-1A, “L.E.M.O.N.I.M.P.S.” (Living Entity Made of Organic Nerves Infused with Metal and Power Source): Raccoon-sized creatures, four-limbed, fast on most terrain. “Paws” secrete a sticky sap-like substance, and have implanted sharp metal “claws”, together allowing SCP-XXXX-1A to climb many surfaces with ease. A lemon battery, with a zinc/copper (or other applicable metals [check accuracy]) anode/cathode [check accuracy], is situated in its central cavity, and powers two small incandescent “headlights”, attached above its front-facing eyes. The lights are switched on for nocturnal activity, giving it the appearance of glowing eyes. The major plant tissue composition of SCP-XXXX-1A are from [lemon tree species]. SCP-XXXX was recovered from [region that grows lemon trees].
SCP-XXXX-1B, “S.P.U.D.P.U.P.S.” (Starchy Purple Underground Driller Propelled by Unique Power Source): Mole-like creatures that live in subterranean burrows. A potato battery powers a small drill on its “nose”, helping it break up soil as it digs through the ground. It uses its digging ability to tunnel into sheds or garages to make off with any pieces of technology it finds there. The major plant tissue composition of SCP-XXXX-1B are from [potato species, cultivar [“purple potato”]]. SCP-XXXX was recovered from [region that grows potatoes].
SCP-XXXX-1C, “K.U.D.S.O.O.” (Kleptomaniac Undulating Dicot Slithers Over Omniterrain): Climbs using same tissue vines use to stick to surfaces (small specialized roots?). “Swallows” stolen technology to carry it off.

MEMO 1: This nicknaming practice is getting ridiculous. The accuracy of the acronym descriptions are tenuous at best… “omniterrain” is not even a real word. Please stop the addition of these nicknames to SCP-XXXX-1 creatures; we have established proper naming protocols for a reason, use them!
–Dr. Solomon Kent, Senior Scientist.
MEMO 2: After a massive outcry and letter-writing petition from the junior research staff, nicknaming of SCP-XXXX-1 creatures is allowed again. Acronyms must be VERY accurate descriptions that do not “stretch” in order to make a cute name. If you cannot make an accurate acronym description, just stick to a non-acronym descriptive name.
–Dr. Solomon Kent, Senior Scientist.

SCP-XXXX-1D, “Rootebago”:

[1] Similar to Agrobacteria tumefaciens.