Sheri Groleau - Vertebral Art

#103 Exeggutor

EXEGGUTOR (Exeggcute), #103 (#102), Grass / Psychic

Exeggutor is a large, plant-like Pokemon capable of locomotion. The Exeggutor genus consists of multiple species, most of which are found in tropical and select temperate environments. Members of the genus often play a key role in establishing and maintaining biodiversity in their ranges. Most species are producers, while a small selection of species are consumers. Culturally, Exeggutor are valued as conservation ambassadors, exotic pets, and property ornamentation.

Biology:

Exeggutor are a highly notable genus in the Pokemon genetic tree, being the largest of all producer Pokemon and amongst the most important for sustaining healthy wild Pokemon ecology and environments. Exeggutor physiology and biology varies by species and geographical location, but all known species exemplify the following traits without deviation:

• Protective layer of cork covering the trunk, crown, and legs, terminating at the feet.

• Growth of photosynthetic leaves / appendages out from the apex.

• Annual flowering upon maturation.

• Between two and four legs for locomotion.

• Between three and six heads ("faces"), each with its own neurological centre and sensory organs.

• All neurological centres linked by a central neurological mass acting as a "central brain".

• Audible communication by internal means.

• Begin life as mobile "seeds" which must gather in groups of six before developing to the adult stage.

• Psychic qualities and abilities.

Basic exterior physiology of all Exeggutor species can be broken down into the following features and terms:

Trunk: The torso of the Pokemon, extending from the base of the apex to the bottom of the belly, from which the legs and other lower appendages extend from. The Pokemon's major organs are encased within. The trunk is heavily layered by rough cork that grows over the epidermis, providing protection from threats and environmental hazards. Exeggutor cork is believed to be a form of osteoblast secretion, and not truly related to the bark of natural trees.

Apex: The topmost area of the Pokemon's body. The apex supports the array of photosynthetic stems and leaves that grow upwards and outwards from the head for several feet in all directions. This is also where the Pokemon's brightly coloured blossoms will bloom when in season, and from where young Exeggcute will hang during development. It is also from this area that most elemental attacks will be launched. The apex includes the crown, where the Exeggutor's faces are located. The apex is heavily armoured with thick layers of cork and a jungle of stems to protect and obscure the Exeggutor's heads and the brains encased behind them.

Crown: Each Exeggutor possesses a ring of notched protuberances that serve as the Pokemon's faces, numbering between three and six. Each face is a point of communication and sensory reception, populated by specialised organs that permit sight, hearing, smell, taste, and the creation of sound for communication. Behind each face is an independently operating brain mass, and in the center of each of these is a singular, central neurological mass that connects them. The area that encases the faces as well as the brains is the crown. The crown is where all psychic broadcasting and attacks are performed by the Pokemon originate.

Legs: The Pokemon's legs extend from the belly and are its only form of locomotion. Any Exeggutor may possess two to four legs, each of which are protected by cork and will end in either a wide, flat earthy cushion, or a hard, tapered point. The feet are absent of cork and populated by root-like structures that permit the drawing of nutrients and liquids from the soil. Each leg possesses a rotary base and single knee-like joint that permit free movement. Aside from general locomotion, the legs provide the Exeggutor a means to dig trenches to permit the Pokemon to take root for extended periods of time.

Tail: Some species of Exeggutor possess a "tail", an extended and flexible appendage often ending in a club-like knot of cork, which grows from the body from the same area as the legs. It is thought to be a modified fifth leg in the four-legged species in which it appears. It can be swung as a means of defense and offense.

Basic interior biology of the Exeggutor can be broken into the following items and terms:

Neurological core / Central brain: Each brain present in an adult Exeggutor links to a central neurological core that permits synchronised action, synchronised perception, reception, and understanding of stimulus. It also provides storage of long-term memory. The neurological core becomes engaged whenever any of the secondary brains receive stimulus, its activity reflecting the number of brains engaged. The core's engagement with all brains is dependent not only on the number of brains currently active, but also what they are engaged in, measured in "level of synchrony". Travel measures at low synchrony, with battle resulting in high synchrony. The central brain is located within the crown, surrounded by the apex and secondary brains, protected by several layers of cork and vascular flesh.

Secondary brains: The brains connected to the neurological core are considered secondary brains, numbered by how many faces the Exeggutor possesses within its crown. Each secondary brain permits full sensory comprehension, communication, individual thought, formation of memory, and the development of a unique personality for each face. Each secondary brain is protected by layers of cork and vascular flesh.

Eyes / Ocular pits: Each complete face of an Exeggutor will possess at least one eye or cellular cluster sensitive to reception of electromagnetic radiation, with their location denoted by deep divots in the cork of the Pokemon's crown faces. The extent of the development of the organ is dependent on species. Fully formed eyes possess only limited rotation, but some telescopic movement to permit a range of focus. Observation of Exeggutor behaviour reveals that some individuals are able to track the movement of objects three feet across at a distance of approximately fifty yards. Predatory Exeggutor species that sport fully developed eyes possess greater telescopic eye movement than those who are purely producers. Exeggutor with fully formed eyes are believed to be able to see in four colours.

Ears / Auditory pits: Each complete face of an Exeggutor will possess at least one ear or cellular cluster sensitive to mechanical waves, with their location denoted by deep divots in the cork of the Pokemon's crown faces. The extent of the development of the organ is dependent on species, with multiple species falling into a general classification of legal deafness or total lack of conventional hearing. The auditory pits of an Exeggutor are sensitive to changes in air pressure, which may aid in discerning weather.

Mouth: Each complete face of an Exeggutor will possess one mouth, denoted by a noticeably larger divot in the crown's cork. The mouth extends and connects directly to the mallet, the genus’ equivalent of a voice box. If the Exeggutor is of the consumer variety, the mouth will also branch to connect with the stomach through the Pokemon's hollow tongue.

Vascular flesh: The interior of an Exeggutor is mostly composed of vascular flesh, the "meat" of the Pokemon, which can account for approximately 60% of its total weight depending on the species. The meat is broken into two types, low- and high-density. Low-density vascular flesh is responsible for the distribution of water drawn up from the feet and into the body. High-density vascular flesh is responsible for the transportation and storage of sugars gained via photosynthesis from the crown, as well as sugars and other nutrients extracted from digested materials in the case of carnivorous Exeggutor.

Interior cork: An Exeggutor's cork extends to within the body, producing layers of porous, honey-combed walls for the support of the vascular flesh. These walls also permit the anchoring of the Exeggutor's vascular tendons, which allow movement of flexible exterior or interior body parts.

Mallet: Exeggutor vocalise via a ring of tendons and airy chambers below the base of the crown, considered the rough equivalent of an Exeggutor "voice box" or vocal chords. The mallet connects to the Pokemon's mouths, permitting the release and amplification of sound. The tendons vibrate and knock tooth-like deposits of cork together to produce clicking and grinding, the base form of non-psychic communication for the genus. The mallet can also produce an airy vocalisation or harsh, high-pitched screaming. The Pokemon achieves this by forcefully taking in air through the mouths of its faces via a primitive bellows, and releasing it through the heads facing the desired target. Notes, chords, and the imitation of vowels is achieved through the shifting of vascular tendons and redirection of air through the mallet's interior cork structures. In some species, the mallet extends into the lower body, permitting the transmission of sound waves into the ground. Generally, the lower mallet is active only when the Exeggutor is planted.

Tongue and stomach: Present only in carnivorous Exeggutor, flat or hollow tongues and digestive enzymes contained in a large stomach-like pouch, permit the Pokemon to intake and draw nutrition from prey items. Some species possess an external pouch of enzymes that acts as a pitfall trap, attracting prey via a sweet scent emitted from the trap. Others utilise a large, flat tongue coated in a sweet- or foul-smelling adhesive that envelopes stuck prey, and drags it into an internal stomach. These are the most common for carnivorous Exeggutor that rely on trapping methods and small animal or insect Pokemon as prey. Exeggutor that capture prey by more active hunting methods generally possess a long, flexible, tube-like hollow tongue that is used to envelop and constrict. These tongues connect directly to the stomach and can either draw fluids from prey to the stomach, or bring enzymes from the stomach up the tongue to aid in digestion of more hardy captures.

General:

Whether Exeggutor is a higher-evolved plant with animal-like qualities or a specialised arboreal mimic with plant-like qualities is a topic of heated debate amongst zoologists and a point of confusion amongst trainers. This confusion is reflected in terminology used to describe the genus' features and behaviours as well as its treatment as a Pokemon by casual and professional trainers alike. Exeggutor overall bear striking resemblances to natural trees, making them largely "invisible" to humans and other Pokemon while in their natural habitat. This acts entirely to their advantage, the camouflage permitting them to strike first in most encounters or to avoid confrontation entirely purely by virtue of being unassuming amongst other vegetation.

The genus is most commonly found in the tropics and subtropics, where the habitats of its range of species extends across nearly every undeveloped stretch of land available at almost any elevation. Some species take up residence in limited temperate zones, but are often keen to migrate once the winter season begins. A few specialised species also occupy arid and tundra climes.

All Exeggutor regardless of species are producers, with some members of the genus also sharing the classification of consumer. All Exeggutor partake in photosynthesis and draw nutrients from the soil to maintain themselves, with select species also partaking in a carnivorous diet to supplement what photosynthesis and soil nutrients cannot provide. Exeggutor achieve photosynthesis through the stems and leaves that grow from their apex. The leaves are regularly replaced in the event of damage. Nutrients are drawn up from the soil by way of root-like structures that grow from the base of the Pokemon's feet and belly. If an Exeggutor remains stationary (planted) in a single location for extended periods of time, the size and extent of its root system can become quite deep and wide-reaching. Many species of producer Exeggutor require nutrient-rich soil and regular rainfall to remain healthy, and will actively relocate to fulfill these needs should their current location be unsuitable for their survival. Less inflexible producer and all carnivorous Exeggutor are more forgiving of nutrient deficiency in their soils, with carnivorous species relying on prey Pokemon to provide what their soil will not. Carnivorous Exeggutor occupy land where producer Exeggutor either cannot or have great difficulty properly surviving. Some carnivorous species will appear amongst and happily coexist within a purely producer herd.

Good light and nutrition are what permit the Exeggutor to sustain its basic functions, fulfill its lifecycle, and provide it energy to perform complex motor and neurological functions. The genus is widely recognised for its psychic ability and physical mobility, both traits of which are exemplary amongst grass types. Most Exeggutor species are known for possessing considerable psychic power and capabilities of higher reasoning. The extent of both is generally judged against the Pokemon's adult size, which is often reflective of the Pokemon's capacity for either ability. Larger species of Exeggutor generally employ larger braincases per face, permitting greater neurological mass, function, and broadcasting ability. The extent and power of psychic broadcasting abilities available to Exeggutor varies by species and individual size, age, and number of brains. In general, the older and larger an individual becomes, the greater its ability to send and receive psychic waves. This further grows when individuals gather in large numbers, meaning even weaker members of the genus can become quite powerful when clustered in a group.

As psychics, Exeggutor are primarily passive in disposition, ignoring most forms of psychic broadcasting from Pokemon outside of the Exeggutor genus. The psychic wavelengths broadcasted by Exeggutor are long-reaching and tap an admirable frequency range. Rates of broadcast decay and strength vary amongst species and can be affected by immediate species population. Exeggutor broadcast passively, which creates a psychic "aura" around individuals that can produce varying effects on the behaviours of other species around the Pokemon depending on their susceptibility to psychic interference. The aura is maintained by each of the Pokemon's functional brains, which each broadcast individually, creating a layered signal. The heavy layering of this aura is likely what contributes to the strength of Exeggutor's special ability, Hypnosis, which the species uses with impunity to entrap and expel intruders and threats from its territory, or, in the case of carnivorous Exeggutor, to render prey defenseless for easy consumption.

Exeggutor's ability to travel above-ground in a surprisingly expedited fashion is notable amongst grass Pokemon. An individual will possess two, three, or four legs, determined by species, which are used for locomotion. Each leg is thick and heavily armoured with cork and articulates via a rotary hip joint and a knee, terminating in either a hard point, or flat cushion. The genus executes movement in a fashion not unlike humans or crustaceans. Depending on the length of the legs in proportion to the body, an adult Exeggutor can travel with swiftness across level terrain with little difficulty. Taller and broader species in general possess a greater number of legs for stability and can, within reason, cross over more varied terrain with less difficulty than their two-legged cousins. However, regardless of size, weight, or number of legs, Exeggutor are not especially sure-footed, possessing little to provide secure purchase on ledges and inclines. The feet of flat-footed Exeggutor do not offer much in the way of traction. No additional joints or appendages are present to provide grip or influence weight distribution. Species that sport pointed feet suffer from similar limitations. Overall the genus avoids steep slopes in both travel and planting behaviours, as few individual species possess a means to counterbalance weight shifts on inclines to prevent toppling, a hazard from which the Pokemon will be unlikely to recover. Toppled Exeggutor can right themselves via telekinesis if they can overcome the pull of gravity. Lone wild individuals are unlikely to be able to perform this feat due to lack of telekinetic training, but a fallen Exeggutor can be righted back on its feet through the efforts of multiple herd-members. Toppled Exeggutor unable to right themselves will eventually expire from mental exhaustion and inability to take root, becoming prey for scavengers.

When in motion individuals can motor across terrain at an admirable pace. Exeggutor most commonly travel at speeds comparable to a human walk or run, but some species can run at speeds exceeding 14 miles per hour. Larger species can reach greater speeds by virtue of greater stride length or number of legs. Exeggutor herds generally travel at the speed set by the front-most herd members, dictated by herd ambience. Calm or otherwise positive herd ambience produces a slow-moving and calculated march, while an aggressive or panicked ambience will encourage faster, less orderly travel. A fast-moving herd can quickly become a stampede. Stampeding Exeggutor are dangerous and can cause considerable damage by way of trampling. Stampeding medium to tall Exeggutor are not especially bothered by most obstacles, resulting in objects, people, or other Pokemon caught in their path being unceremoniously flattened. Large species can level most obstacles, knocking down trees, crushing automobiles or other small structures. Even smaller species such as the humble Munchkin can cause considerable damage in stampeding.

Although mobile, the genus overall is not especially transient in nature. A contented Exeggutor will remain planted in a single location for years, and borrowing from the genus' widely accepted relation to true trees, the presence of a long-rooted grove of Exeggutor is generally considered a sign of good-health for the environment. Locations known to support high numbers of wild Exeggutor are considered hot spots for Pokemon biodiversity and are proven homes for rare and threatened species of all types. These areas are regular targets for poachers and trainers, but breaches into such oases are rare thanks to the Pokemon's vigilance over its territory.

When peacefully rooted, Exeggutor will share their territory with several different members of their genus as well as other species of Pokemon. Bug and non-aggressive herbivorous Pokemon freely feed off their leaves, while others may do the same on the roots on their feet and underside. Adult Exeggutor have no known predators. Exeggutor young (Exeggcute) and juvenile Exeggutor, however, are vulnerable to attack by consumer species such as Donphan, Ursaring, Crabrawler, and Conkeldurr, who prize the high protein content and vascular meat of Exeggcute and developing Exeggutor.

The proper plural noun for a group of Exeggutor is determined by two factors, whether the group is in motion, and for how long it has been in an area. A group of stationary or rooted Exeggutor is known as a grove, while Exeggutor that are currently moving or traveling as a collective is known as a herd. A group that has previously been in motion but has become stationary in an area is still referred to as a herd until the group has taken root or otherwise become stationary for two weeks or longer with no immediate signs of intent to vacate.

Social Behaviours:

Exeggutor are quite social, easily gravitating to each other to form large populations. Groves of Exeggutor often feature multiple species belonging to the genus, all of which will participate in the obfuscation and protection of their territory. Exeggutor are also very “chatty”, producing constant psychic and vocal signals to communicate both amongst their own heads and with each other. Chatter can be incessant, creating a constant hum of audible activity amongst a grove. Vocalisation amongst the genus ranges from grinding and clicking noises to airy hisses and full vocal calls comparable to human shouting. The Pokemon talk with considerable volume, using a wide combination of long grinds and sharp clicks and whines in tandem with body movement to express themselves.

The prevalence of psychic chatter over vocal chatter in Exeggutor groves is dependent in part on the overall state of the grove-members at large, and what other Pokemon or entities may be present. An alert or otherwise very active grove will audibly chatter 50 – 60% of the time over psychic broadcasting. A settled grove will vocalise 30 – 35% of the time, and a sleeping grove will do so only 5 – 8% of the time. A migrating herd or highly agitated grove will vocalise constantly.

Exeggutor will respond to music, and will attempt to match or mimic the sound of certain instruments. Indigenous peoples who share ranges with Exeggutor have been known to use flutes and melodic calls to communicate with the Pokemon and avoid incidences of hypnosis and manipulation. Certain pitches or melodies can encourage different responses in groves of Exeggutor. In general, lower pitches inspire positive responses, while higher pitches can encourage aggression.

Wild Exeggutor are primarily non-aggressive but highly protective of their nesting areas. Intrusions on their grove grounds are responded to by acts of hypnosis and misdirection. Most other species of Pokemon are welcome in an Exeggutor’s grove, but humans overall are not permitted entry unless some form of unique bond or sense of trust has been built between the Pokemon and the individual or group visiting. In some cases, partnered Pokemon, regardless of species or level of aggression, will be similarly denied entry into an Exeggutor’s territory even if unaccompanied by a trainer, being quickly hypnotised and sent away. If carnivorous Exeggutor are present in the grove, there is a chance of the victim being directed to and eaten by the Pokemon instead of merely directed away. Individuals or Pokemon highly resistant or immune to psychic broadcasting that attempt to enter Exeggutor grounds will arouse aggressive responses from the Pokemon in the form of ominous groans, clicking, and hissing. If the intruder does not vacate, the Pokemon may launch “warning shots” to encourage the visitor to leave, or immediately escalate to a full attack to remove them as a perceived threat.

Aggressive attempts to invade or chase out Exeggutor from their territory are responded to with equal aggression. If hypnosis is not a viable option, the Pokemon will not hesitate to resort to more active forms of retaliation. Angry or threatened adult Exeggutor will spare no quarter against their enemies and will use all abilities available to them to render their attackers dead or unable to retaliate. The layered strength of its psychic abilities is the genus' greatest combat asset. Psychic broadcasting can result in jumbled thoughts and attackers being unable to process stimulus or coordination. More invasive attacks can cause brutal sensations of phantom pain and incite hallucinations, often used to chase out aggressors or have them turn on each other. Layered psychokinesis launched by Exeggutor can easily deal fatal physical harm, rending bodies, twisting tools, and scarring earth. Other abilities available to Exeggutor include the use of the mallet as a psychological weapon, employing high-pitched, high-decibel screeching to cause disorientation, intimidate opponents, and call other Pokemon to arms. Exeggutor currently nursing Exeggcute can and will use their heavily armoured offspring as weapons, launching them from their nursery vine via psychokinesis at speeds and forces comparable to a canon shot. Exeggutor in movement or otherwise able to uproot can trample and crush foes underfoot. Once engaged, the Pokemon will not cease its attacks until the threat has been destroyed or has left. While rooted Exeggutor will permit an enemy to escape, an uprooted grove will engage in pursuit until their target is neutralised or manages to put enough distance between themselves and the herd that chasing is no longer viable.

Exeggutor becoming aggressive amongst themselves is rare. Disagreements within a grove are quickly rectified, if not through broadcasting, then with a few sharp vocalisations, often followed by either or both individuals taking a handful of steps away from each other. If this is not enough, disagreeable Exeggutor unable to rectify their differences may be ousted from the group to prevent discontent from spreading amongst the remaining minds, forced to find a new grove or be content on the outskirts of the original grove’s territory. In extreme cases, an individual may be euthanised by its grove members as a threat. Incidences of such occurrences often involve Exeggutor with maladaptive behaviours developed either from neural misalignment or abuse suffered from human action or other Pokemon.

The “ambience” of a grove is what maintains a population’s emotional and mental status quo. The neurological maintenance of a grove of Exeggutor shares startling similarity with how emotional status quo and expression is handled in individual Exeggutor - with the majority of the operational brains of an individual determining the overall state of and potential actions to be taken by the Pokemon in a form of “mutual agreement”. Mutual agreement amongst brains in a single Pokemon or multiple Exeggutor in a single grove does not preclude instability or rise of disagreement or aggression. Shifts in individual or grove ambience will inspire a response from surrounding brains or individuals, potentially producing a contagious wave of a new status quo that can become destructive under certain circumstances. One Exeggutor experiencing aggression or panic can psychically infect other Exeggutor around it with the same emotional state via its broadcasting signal, implanting the suggestion that a threat currently exists in the minds of those who have not yet encountered the threat experienced by the original Pokemon. This is encouraged by the Exeggutor’s default leaning towards cooperation with its species for survival. Depending on the strength of the original signal and consequently that of those immediately within range of the Pokemon disturbing the status quo, re-broadcasts of the signal will either result in a “threat awareness” wave which will heighten the attentiveness of the remaining grove members as it moves and is further carried and re-broadcasted through the population, or will encourage immediate aggression or fear as each receptor of the signal becomes overwhelmed by the multiple broadcasts claiming extreme threat.

An extreme threat signal and response can encourage a stampede if enough minds are overwhelmed or enough individual Exeggutor broadcast fear or aggression and begin uprooting, creating situational panic in remaining grove-members unaware of the source of the disturbance. An Exeggutor stampede is difficult to stop once it has begun, as a halt requires the majority of participants to overcome the fear response that initiated the herd's flight. While capable of logical deduction and higher reasoning, panic can spread through a herd or grove of Exeggutor with expedience if enough individuals are frightened or have otherwise succumbed to the fear response. Grounded Exeggutor can calm panicked members of a grove; however, enough frightened herd members can overwhelm calm-minded individuals, inspiring further fear even if newly panicked Exeggutor are unaware of what the threat is. A stampede will last for a considerable distance until the herd collectively regains calm, or otherwise tires itself out. Anything smaller than the Pokemon themselves caught in the path of an Exeggutor stampede, whether living or constructed, will be crushed. Rooted Exeggutor are unlikely to give in to a fear response and begin a stampede, but will uproot quickly if overcome. Those non-rooted or in the process of transition are upwards of 60% more likely to succumb to panic and flee. Exeggutor can stampede out of anger as well as fear, directing their charge towards their antagonists to either chase them from their grounds or to crush them.

Psychic Qualities:

Psychic abilities available to Exeggutor range widely. The genus’ passive disposition is afforded by considerable defensive psychic qualities, but its capability for offense should not be underestimated.

The species’ natural layered broadcast is what contributes the most to its psychic power. Regardless of the Pokemon’s actual library of abilities, the layering produces a natural multiplier towards any psychic actions taken, calculated by number of brains engaged in the action at once. While the Pokemon itself counts as a single individual in terms of a grass type, it is considered a multiple instance of a psychic type, with one instance counted per brain present in the crown of an adult since each brain acts as an individual, save the neurological core. Thus, an Exeggutor's psychic broadcasting strength is measured at a baseline of 1 for the standard psychic power of the core brain plus however many complete faces the adult possesses [1 (neurological core) + X (X = # of faces)]. An Exeggutor's "maximum" psychic broadcasting power is defined as the full psychic ability of the Pokemon's multiple brains focused on a single target as both or either a physical or suggestive force. With all brains engaged, the majority of the genus' species are considered amongst the most powerful and further dangerous psychic Pokemon currently known to science.

Human intruders stumbling upon Exeggutor ranges often have no recollection of their encounter or the paths taken up to it. Because the range of hypnosis is limited, it is assumed that trespassers are hypnotised within striking distance of the Pokemon, who then directs them away from their territory for up to several miles. The intensity of the hypnosis exacted by the Exeggutor onto a victim is believed to interfere with short-term memory, often resulting in an inability to recall any events or sensory or rational cues before and during hypnosis. In most recalled encounters, victims report that they were unaware of the Pokemon's presence and were further hypnotised without their notice, with realisation hitting only after the hypnosis had expired. In most cases, victims will find themselves in the process of heading back to where they had started, or in rarer cases, lost. Those targeted by carnivorous Exeggutor are generally dispatched before they awaken. The Pokemon's reliance on and further success with the use of hypnosis to protect itself is aided by its natural camouflage. Due to their mobility, any location may come under control of Exeggutor at any time, and they may similarly leave at any time. Clearings or forest floors spotted with deep, rounded three, four, or five-pointed cross-shaped pits and / or holes arranged in geometric bipodal, tripodal, or quadrupodal formation are sure signs that an Exeggutor grove had previously taken root in the area and has vacated. An open or wooded area suddenly becoming inaccessible or regular travelers finding themselves unable to find their way or remember time spent in once-familiar areas are trusted indicators that Exeggutor may have begun to take root in that location.

Ecology:

The presence of Exeggutor prevents the stripping of soil, aiding in keeping land fertile.

Other consumer Pokemon species feed upon and rely on them to maintain and sustain their ecosystems. Exeggutor provide shelter, nutrients, as well as food and access to prey to other species. The presence of Exeggutor often denotes and / or produces a very healthy, diverse, and stable ecosystem. In some cases, the Pokemon itself is an ecosystem. Areas populated by the species are often untouched by human hands due in part by the Pokemon's ability to cast hypnosis, which permits it to ward away invaders.

With exception to a species purposefully bred for domestication and training (the urban Exeggutor, Planoosylva urbanis) and two miniature, shorter-lived species recently discovered (Planoosylva mikros and Planoosylva uniantherennial), standard Exeggutor are not found in captivity. Symbiotic relationships between humans and wild Exeggutor are extremely difficult to establish and thus are very rare. One notable case involved an indigenous village that had been all but built into the trunk of an especially large Exeggutor of the Planoosylva colossarchaios species. The village, in its founding years, had come across a set of Exeggcute and placed them at the center of the settlement, protecting the Pokemon from predators. The village inhabitants worshiped the Pokemon as a minor god of nature and permitted it to take root amongst the people. The Exeggcute grew into an Exeggutor and remained in the centre of the village, encouraging other species to populate the surrounding area, providing the villagers with food. In return the people continued to protect and treat the Pokemon as a diety. As the Exeggutor grew, the village and ecosystem expanded with it.

Life Cycle and Development:

All Exeggutor begin development as an independent, motile, seed-like infant, known as an Exeggcute. Exeggcute heavily resemble conventional seeds of various plant species, sharing an oval, oblong, or otherwise rounded shape with a thick, protective covering not unlike the shell of a nut. The outer body is haired, with how heavily varying by species. Internally, Exeggcute heavily resemble a primitive human brain, with a sizeable neurological mass taking up the majority of its internal cavity. Exeggcute are, much like their adult form, scientifically undefined as either a plant-mimic or vegetative animal. In the casual sphere of Pokemon culture, Exeggcute are considered plants, and are treated as conventional plant seeds or fruit by most trainers. Exeggcute appear in various sizes and hues, which is dependent on and largely reflective of the adult form. However, no Exeggcute smaller than 1cm in diameter have been observed. The largest Exeggcute currently known is 9 inches in diameter, belonging to the baobab-resembling Exeggutor species.

Exeggcute are born in a manner not unlike conventional seeds, with adult Exeggutor supporting reproductive systems that largely mirror a plant's. Adult Exeggutor flower once per year, the genus supporting a wide range of blossom shapes and colours. Most species bloom in spring, with some sporting bouquets that almost entirely overtake the Pokemon's leafy array. The genus boasts species that reproduce both sexually and asexually. The majority of species rely on cross-pollination provided by wind or the smaller, insect or animal Pokemon drawn to their blossoms. Others reproduce through a mixed-mating system, relying on both cross- and auto-pollination methods. Species that employ this approach are commonly found in environs sporting little biodiversity or a harsh environment. The act of blooming and pollination requires no prompting or engagement by the Exeggutor itself. The Pokemon may bloom, pollinate, and shed offspring while awake or asleep. A sleeping Exeggutor can produce several generations of offspring over the course of multiple years without needing to wake. If the Exeggutor is heavily malnourished, however, it may be unable to bloom, or the act of blooming and producing offspring may prove fatal.

Once pollination is achieved, the Exeggutor will grow clusters of Exeggcute around or within its apex along a nursery vine, a specialised stem with superficial resemblance to an umbilicus. Exeggcute begin formation as pale-coloured bulbs which increase in size and darken as the Pokemon grows. Most developing Exeggcute possess a fine layer of peach fuzz, which similarly darkens, lengthens, and grows coarse as it ages. Hairs may take on an almost wire-like appearance by the time the Pokemon is ready to fall from the vine. Developing Exeggcute will exemplify very weak psychic broadcasting as their neurological masses slowly form. As they age on the vine, the hairs of their fuzz will wave and the Pokemon itself will shake lightly on occasion. Once fully formed, the Exeggcute will become fully conscious and will be ready to drop from the apex of their parent to begin life on the ground. Exeggcute will drop from the nursery vine by multiple means; either by the accumulation of their own weight as they grow, by struggling to break free of the vine, or being shaken free by wind or the movement of the adult. Exeggcute that fall from their nursery vine before fully developing will never gain complete consciousness, and will perish. Once all Exeggcute have fully developed and dropped, the nursery vine will shrivel and detach from the apex of the adult.

The number of Exeggcute produced by a single adult and how quickly varies by species. Munchkin Exeggutor and other smaller or short-lived species will produce several vines of small Exeggcute in a very short timeframe, resulting in offspring numbering in the thousands per year. Larger, longer-living species such as the Alolan palm and urban Exeggutor will produce a much more limited number of larger, more heavily armoured Exeggcute with much longer gestation periods per year, often numbering between 20 to 50.

Once on the ground, Exeggcute will immediately begin to search for other Exeggcute of their species, with those quick on the draw clustering together in swift groups of six upon striking the earth with their nursery mates. Those unable to quickly bond will wander for eligible companions. Being largely numb to most forms of physical stimulus, Exeggcute will wander seemingly without aim or care for their surroundings in their search for other Exeggcute. How long a period an Exeggutor will remain an Exeggcute varies by species and environment. If the infant Pokemon is able to quickly find other members of its species similarly in Exeggcute form and further locate a suitable patch of land in which to plant itself, it can begin development to Exeggutor within one week. Clusters unable to complete their group or find a location in which to plant themselves can remain in their seed form for several years before perishing of exhaustion and depleted nutrition stores.

The infant Pokemon possess no observable sensory organs, but do respond to some forms of exterior stimulus. Visual stimulus inspires no reaction from Exeggcute regardless of distance, and to this end the Pokemon is considered functionally blind. Touch and sound, however, can spark a response. Exeggcute react to all forms of physical contact with either avoidance or "patting" - waving and pressing its hairs against the object, presumably in an attempt towards identification, grasping, or communication. Exeggcute may also respond to sound waves, though the strength of alleged reception of this stimulus varies by species, presumably because of husk thickness or sensitivity, or simple interest or lack thereof. Reception of soundwaves, whether aerial or terranian, generally inspires retreat or avoidance on the behalf of the Exeggcute. The Pokemon can "smell" or "taste" its surroundings through its hairs, which it waves in the air periodically if stationary, and uses to investigate objects and liquids as it trundles through the underbrush.

Exeggcute move about and gather by way of the motile hairs covering the husk of the seed. The fibres wave and push the Pokemon across terrain and through water. The hairs have limited tactile strength but when moving as a whole produce ample force to move the body of the Exeggcute across most terrain. The hairs cannot, however, stop the Pokemon from falling by gripping an outcropping or similar. Not that this is much consequence to the Exeggcute, as the husk provides considerable protection from most falls.

As psychic Pokemon, Exeggcute broadcast and respond to psychic signals. The broadcasting signal of a single Exeggcute is very low on the frequency and threat risk table, but carries considerable reach. The psychic wavelength broadcasted by Exeggcute is by and large exclusive to the Pokemon, and generally invokes a reaction only in other Exeggcute or those especially susceptible to psychic interference. By itself, a lone Exeggcute's psychic ability is heavily limited, only capable of moving small objects out of its path, should the Pokemon be so inspired, or generate very weak defensive barriers. In a cluster however, Exeggcute gain considerable strength, with their overall psychic power multiplying relative to the number of members in the cluster. A full cluster of six Exeggcute can move comparatively large objects and perceptively "fight" for its collective survival by repelling attacks and responding with its own. The physical size of an Exeggcute does play a considerable role in the baseline and maximum psychic power the Pokemon has as its disposal. A larger husk generally implies a larger braincase and greater psychic broadcasting power. Clusters of small Exeggcute can perform only slight psychic actions, while clusters of sizeable Exeggcute have the potential to perform actions on par with medium-sized psychic Pokemon such as Kadabra. How an Exeggcute will respond to another Psychic signal will change depending on whether the Exeggcute is alone or present within a cluster. Exeggcute within a cluster greater than three are very likely to ignore any signals unless it is perceived as a threat or "bad vibe". Exeggcute not within a full cluster of six will always respond to the broadcast of another Exeggcute of the same species if the broadcast indicates an individual or number of individuals that add to its group number without exceeding a total of six.

The importance of the number six as a multiple of individuals required to activate development into adulthood is largely unknown to zoologists. The immediate assumed relation is the number of Exeggcute reflect the number of unique faces or brains that will be present on or within the adult Exeggutor, but this does not hold true for all species, with numbers of faces and accompanying brains ranging from three to six amongst all known species. A relation to chromosomal count required to produce a viable adult, or stores of nutrients needed to kickstart growth is hypothesised. Curiously, Exeggcute do on occasion halt in their procession to "pat" at objects organised or otherwise set together in a group of six, before continuing on their way. The significance of these instances is lost on behaviouralists.

Exeggute actively seek out each other to form groups of six (sextets), organised by species. Exeggcute will not mingle if multiple species are mixed together, but will purposefully and efficiently segregate themselves from each other. How Exeggcute organise and segregate themselves in this way is unknown, though it is assumed to be achieved through psychic broadcasting. Once a full Exeggcute cluster has formed, the Pokemon will roll together for some distance in search of a suitable earth bed in which to plant themselves and grow to the adult stage. A full cluster of Exeggcute is surprisingly adventurous, crossing considerable hazards for a Pokemon of its size to find an acceptable location. During this process, the Exeggcute may become targets for attack by predatory Pokemon or otherwise become damaged, resulting in cracked husks and perished individuals. Should a cluster experience the loss of one of its members, the surviving Exeggcute will redirect themselves to replace the missing Pokemon before returning to their journey.

Exeggcute will travel considerable distances before settling, with the requirements needed for a suitable location to grow varying widely by species. Once a location has been chosen, the Pokemon will roll over the patch of earth repeatedly for an approximate half-minute before arranging themselves in a circular formation, spaced evenly apart, "standing" upon their axis. The Pokemon will then rapidly spin, drilling into the earth to plant themselves between 6 to 12 inches deep, maintaining their perfect formation. Successfully planted, the Exeggcute will begin to germinate. The cluster's initial shoots grow towards the formation's centre, knotting together to form what will become the neurological core of the adult Exeggutor. If environmental conditions prove stable, the bulb of the juvenile adult will emerge from the earth in approximately two months’ time. From the bulb will extend the trunk and apex of the Exeggutor, unfurling in a full set of leaves. The young Exeggutor will remain planted until the adult faces have been cleared from the bulb and all leaves unfurled. Once this has been achieved the Pokemon will be capable of movement and full communication. This transitionary "bulb" stage is the most vulnerable for an Exeggutor of any size or species, as until all faces have been awakened, the Pokemon is stationary and unable to adequately defend itself from any environmental hazards or threats of predation or poaching. Juvenile Exeggutor will remain planted for as long as possible in an effort to remain hidden from danger, relocating only when absolutely necessary. If a herd of adults is nearby, the youth will uproot and move towards it with intent to protect itself in taking advantage of strength in numbers and greater psychic ability possessed by fully grown Exeggutor.

Exeggutor mature at variable rates, with some species maturing in mere months' time, and others reaching maturity only many decades after transitioning from the Exeggcute stage.

Approximately one in every 100,000 Exeggutor will bud with misaligned faces, a trait that is considered "quirky" amongst trainers. Each species has a curiously rigid natural standard of facial alignment, with average general deviation for facial placement upon the crown ranging less than 1mm. Instances of alignment deviation greater than 1mm always extend towards extreme misalignment that is observable by plain sight. Exeggutor exemplifying such misalignment are visibly troubled by this fact, though the reason as to why is unknown. Theories suggest that such misalignment on the exterior body denotes equal misalignment of the Pokemon's multiple brains, causing mental distress. Facial misalignment is tentatively connected to behavioural and mental maladaption in adult Exeggutor.

Variants:

KANTO PALM:

ASIATIC WEEPER:

URBAN PALM:

MUNCHKIN:

DRAGON WALKER:

BAOBAB:

ALOLAN PALM: The Alolan Exeggutor, producer, tall, vibrant green leaves, long and messy crown - everywhere

ALOLAN WEEPER: Alolan Exeggutor variant, producer, medium-small, long, trailing crown, colourful blooms - quiet locations, ruins, large parks

ALOLAN BIRD OF PARADISE: Alolan Exeggutor variant, producer, tall with stripe of red leaves on either side of the head, coloured "rings" along the neck - valleys, hard-to-reach / out-of-the-way locations

ALOLAN STOUT: Alolan Exeggutor variant, producer, medium-tall, thicker trunk, heads protrude noticeably, rough and textured bark, dark leaves, Exeggcute are especially hairy - everywhere

ALOLAN HELL-BOTTLE: Alolan Exeggutor variant, omnivore, tall, distinct red and black colouration, very aggressive, actively pursues prey, possesses red meat, substitutes sunlight for proteins during ash-cover, requires proteins for proper growth, remarkable pain tolerance and night vision, produces flame-retardant oil, Exeggcute resemble black stones - volcanic islands

ALOLAN MIND HUNTER: Alolan Exeggutor variant, omnivore, tall, heavily resembles Alolan Palm Exeggutor, aggressive, pursues prey, requires proteins for proper growth - valleys, deep forest, out-of-the-way locations

Adoption, Wild Capture, and Battle Training:

Exeggutor are classified as a "specialist" species, with overlap with the restrictive "exotic" and "high risk" adoption denomination. As a specialist and exotic species, application to own, breed, or train is a rigorous and inflexible process. Ownership of an Exeggutor for any purpose without proper certification is grounds for persecution. The only exception is the voluntary occupation of private or public property space by wild Exeggutor.

As a psychic Pokemon, Exeggutor ownership comes with multiple personal and communal mental health risks that must be accounted for by those aspiring to make the Pokemon a member of their team or part of their household. The psychic power and ability of Exeggutor varies amongst the genus' many species and variants but is generally classified as "high risk". People and Pokemon susceptible to psychic interference can be heavily affected by the psychic waves broadcasted by Exeggutor, regardless of intent on behalf of the trainer or the Exeggutor itself. While an Exeggutor can be trained to be aware of its psychic broadcasting in relation to other living things and curtail its active abilities as appropriate for battle or general interaction, its passive abilities will remain unaltered. The constant presence of an Exeggutor's passive psychic broadcasting and trainer ignorance involving its effects is a major hurdle for owners to overcome in the application process. Most who apply to own an Exeggutor fail to acknowledge the dangers inherent to their chosen psychic companion as a specialist species.

Compatibility for ownership is measured in part by the applying trainer or owner's psychic resistance against the maximum psychic broadcasting power of the adult form of the Exeggutor species chosen for companionship. As with all applications for psychic Pokemon ownership, this is calculated from incremental psychic stress tests and extrapolated mathematically. Applicants who fall below above-average resistance are immediately rejected. Those that pass must then take and pass a compatibility and general knowledge course and undergo psychological evaluation to ascertain whether they are a proper match for or will be able to properly manage the Pokemon both physically and mentally. Those who fail this portion of the application process are free to reattempt at any time, though multi-attempt applicants must retake psychic resistance measurements once per year or once per three attempts, whichever comes first.

Application acceptance average is under 5% for all medium-sized to tall species of wild or otherwise non-urban origin. "Urban" species bred specifically for trainer culture and casual ownership possess an application acceptance rate of a more hopeful 20 - 25%. Miniature urban and exotic species ownership application acceptance ranges between 30 - 55%, and is judged both by the psychic broadcasting power of the adult form of the chosen miniature Exeggutor species, as well as the intended maximum population count (garden head count) that the owner intends to manage. Applicants with any documented mental illnesses or are at risk of developing mental illness are barred from application for ownership of the Pokemon due to risks of both the passive and active psychic abilities of Exeggutor to exacerbate symptoms and interfere with the effects of medication. This does not preclude the employment and use of Exeggutor as a therapy companion for either people or other Pokemon suffering from trauma or disorder. However, application for a therapy Exeggutor is a process far removed from general ownership applications and comes with its own restrictions.

Trainers unable to meet what have been criticised as "extravagant" qualifications for ownership are barred from adopting or otherwise training Exeggcute or Exeggutor to prevent cases of incidental abuse towards the Pokemon. Trainer screenings are put in place to prevent incidents of violence of behalf of the Exeggutor, who are known to react aggressively in response to sustained abuse. The family has a propensity for "lashing out" once an individual's tolerance for abuse or neglect has been exceeded, with roughly 80% of cases of such behaviour resulting in human or Pokemon fatalities. Psychological evaluations have been implemented into these compatibility tests for the protection of trainers who may be vulnerable to the Pokemon's psychic abilities and constant chatter. Repeated, documented "accidents" involving owners unfamiliar with the behavioural and vocal tendencies of Exeggutor are the primary driver for stringent owner and trainership requirements for the genus.

The tracking and capture of wild Exeggutor is punishable by law in many regions due to the genus' protected status. However, permissions for the tracking and capture of wild Exeggutor is attainable via sanctioned permits, available in some regions as a part of Pokemon population management, region tourism, and national park maintenance. Similar permits or permissions can be gained through "problem Pokemon mitigation programs", in which qualified trainers can be placed on-call for wild capture of "trouble" species that may pose a threat to human habitation. Locating an unmoving, non-vocalising Exeggutor amongst natural foliage is almost impossible. Tracking and engaging a wild Exeggutor requires considerable skill, preparation, and dedication on behalf of the trainer. Risk mitigation and adaptation are primary focuses before tracking even begins. Considered somewhat of an extreme undertaking, bordering on sports-like, by some dedicated Pokemon trainers and collectors. In particular, psychics looking to test their meddle in mental resistance will attempt to force an encounter with wild Exeggutor for a battle of psychic broadcasting. This is advised against and not condoned by the League or any psychic academy, as such a competition will result in unfortunate funeral arrangements if the Pokemon is antagonised into responding.

Training, Care, and Temperament:

Physically, an Exeggutor is considered "easy" to care for in comparison to other large-bodied or specialist Pokemon. Most species are happy to remain in a yard or park of almost any size provided an individual has consistent or otherwise reliable access to required sun and water to sustain itself for purely producer species, and a population of prey Pokemon for consumer species. Most Exeggutor are generally unbothered by weather, provided they have been raised outdoors, or are not planted in a tundra environmental zone. Exeggutor raised only indoors will show considerable signs of stress towards weather changes if moved outdoors without proper introduction and adaptation to their new environment. Many species of Exeggutor are vulnerable to extreme temperature changes, being poorly adapted to withstand winter seasons.

Depending on the species chosen for companionship, carnivorous trap Exeggutor are happy to remain in a single area and prey upon any insect or small animal Pokemon that may wander to their traps. This can be dangerous for community Pokemon should the Exeggutor be placed outside, as the Pokemon will be non-discriminatory with what it will consume as prey. For this reason, carnivorous Exeggutor under trainer or casual ownership are required by law to be kept in controlled enclosures and hand-fed, or their prey food otherwise monitored. Hopefulls who apply for ownership of a carnivorous trap Exeggutor will be refused if the applicants do not possess a suitably sized interior or otherwise enclosed space required to house the Pokemon at adult size. Carnivorous hunter Exeggutor, the active cousin of the trap Exeggutor, are illegal to own and train.

In terms of physical maintenance, pruning and parasite removal is all an owner or trainer will need to truly monitor for their companion. Trimming of dead foliage from the leaf array, while largely unrequired, is suggested as a means of reinforcement of bonds between trainer and Pokemon, and as a way to help maintain their Pokemon's general health and appearance. While stylistic trimming of Exeggutor arrays is considered a niche art amongst owners, trainers are advised to use caution when exercising artistic expression with their Pokemon, as the excessive or total removal of an Exeggutor's leaf array can result in starvation and declining health. If excessive pruning is maintained, this can lead to stunting and the death of the Pokemon.

While requiring very little in the way of trainer aid to sustain themselves, Exeggutor are known to uproot and leave their trainer or owner's property if their current location does not permit the meeting of the basic needs of water, nutrition, and sunlight. Exeggutor that trust their trainers will not immediately relocate, but will attempt to notify their owners of their distress. If the Pokemon's trust withers or the trainer otherwise gives no indication that any attempts will be made to rectify the situation, the Exeggutor will relocate to wherever its needs will be better met, following weather or trespassing into greener yards with no regard to the concept of private or public property. Exeggutor raised and kept in a plant nursery or other indoor enclosure are unlikely to vacate upon signs of unmet needs, and may succumb to starvation as opposed to enacting self-preservation purely for lack of knowledge that more suitable space exists beyond their enclosure.

A common fallacy amongst novice trainers is the notion that Exeggutor do not experience complex emotion or require as much attention or affection as other Pokemon due to it being perceived as more plant than animal. This can lead to emotional and physical neglect on behalf of the owner, and in turn result in escalating retaliation on behalf of the Pokemon. Exeggutor are exceptionally friendly while under the ownership of a trainer that has treated and socialised them well, and will chatter to everyone and no one to amuse themselves. Exeggutor’s noise-making is notorious amongst trainers both experienced and casual. The distance Exeggutor chatter can carry in an open area can cause discontent between neighbours and irritation in some species of Pokemon. Due to the species’ lack of physical options, vocalisation is an individual’s most direct non-psychic method of communication with humans and other Pokemon. While Exeggutor speech is not understood as a “language”, the speed and regularity of clicks, grinds, and whines can paint a poor-man’s portrait of the Pokemon’s immediate emotional state or intentions. Slow, soft to loud grinding is considered a general indicator of contentment. Intermittent clicking is interpreted as the same. Rapid, loud grinding and clicking is generally taken to mean an equivalent of the Exeggutor stating awareness and watchfulness of its company. Incorporation of hissing or airy vocals is an indicator of irritation, aggravation, and approaching aggression. Any use of full vocal calls is a sign of aggression and distress, with screaming indicating extreme stress and a call to arms. Due to the human-like quality of airy vocals produced by Exeggutor, whispers of irritation can be misinterpreted as general talkativeness or attempts at mimicry on behalf of the Pokemon of and to its human company, which can lead to further distress for the Pokemon.

While the Pokemon is happy to talk to its own heads for hours on end, it is important that trainers acknowledge or otherwise engage the Pokemon at regular / semi-regular intervals to prevent any destructive habits from forming. Exeggutor that do not receive attention or basic acknowledgement from their trainers have been known to become jealous or play pranks on the people and Pokemon around them via their psychic abilities; throwing objects, stomping, casting hypnosis and further manipulating those caught under their influence are common signs of neglected or "bored" Exeggutor acting out in response to lack of care or attention. Lack of interaction and socialisation will result in an Exeggutor that perceives its owner as a captor or direct threat to its existence, and if further convinced of this relationship will directly act against its trainer or other household members, human or Pokemon, to potentially fatal results to protect or free itself. Forming bonds of trust and friendship with an Exeggutor requires consistent social interaction and communication on behalf of the owner. However, social familiarity with a single trainer or small population of companion Pokemon is not equitable to the Exeggutor being "socialised" on a larger scale, a distinction that trainers of all levels must bear in mind should they desire to take their Psychic partner with them into public spaces. An Exeggutor that trusts its trainer but is unsocialised to crowds possesses a high potential for being spooked and reacting unfavourably to the natural commotion around it. Raising an Exeggutor outdoors aides in mitigating the potential of the Pokemon being upset by crowd commotion, but is not a guarantee. Trainers and casual owners alike are expected to be able to recognise any signs of discomfort displayed by their companion and to react accordingly to prevent any lashing out on its behalf. An Exeggutor that is uncomfortable or otherwise disturbed by its surroundings will begin to vocalise harshly in the form of loud grinding, clicking, and whispering, which will be followed by attempts to hypnotise and lead away the people and Pokemon around it. As Exeggutor are casually considered friendly and passive, these warning signs are often misinterpreted as the Pokemon merely being talkative, which brings a high likelihood of more unfamiliar people coming towards it to interact. If these warning vocalisations continue to be ignored, clicks and whispers will escalate to loud hissing and screaming, which in turn will lead to more forceful attempts at hypnotism or greater psychic activity.

Trust and comfort while in stressful situations and surroundings with or without the presence of their trainer is paramount for battle-trained Exeggutor.

Most adult Exeggutor do not mind being the center piece or only feature of a lawn, but certain species will become irritable or otherwise stressed with the absence of other notable vegetation or grass Pokemon if they are alone. Young and juvenile Exeggutor prefer natural or landscaped locations where they can easily blend in with the vegetation for protection, being very unlikely to stand in the open even with company unless coaxed by their trainer. An Exeggutor that is satisfied with its location will take root. Rooted Exeggutor that feel safe in their surroundings will enter a semi-conscious state roughly equitable to "half-sleep". While in this state it will continue to remain at least partially aware of its surroundings, as well as talk and chatter softly to itself and other receptive Pokemon around it. If permitted to enter and maintain semi-consciousness with no disturbances or threats arising for a prolonged period of time, the Pokemon will slip into true sleep and become entirely inactive until awakened. While in true sleep, the Exeggutor's psychic broadcasting will weaken, but maintain its passive effects on those susceptible.

The nature and reach of the Pokemon's psychic interference is reliant on its temperament and species, with the strength of the interference felt relying equally on these factors as well as the susceptibility to interference inherent to the trainer and any other people or Pokemon that may occupy the effect radius. Urban Exeggutor possess the smallest of passive broadcasting radii for an Exeggutor of medium size, spanning approximately ten feet in every direction around the Pokemon. Wild Exeggutor of a similar size will possess a broadcasting radius of several more feet, with colossal species boasting a kilometre or even a mile's reach.

If the individual is aggressive or irritable, it may impress upon the brain of its trainer a state of sourceless aggravation, inability to concentrate, and feelings of suspicion towards those around them. An Exeggutor frustrated with its trainer can accidentally inspire similar states of divided attention and an undercurrent of feeling threatened. An angry Exeggutor can impose on those around them involuntary movement ranging from subtle to extreme. A naturally aggressive or hostile Exeggutor such as members of the mind hunter or hell-bottle species can and will impose on their human and Pokemon company constant feelings of dread and sourceless, irrational fears directed at no true subject

Unless an owner intends to utilise their companion for battle, motor exercises are not significant for an Exeggutor's upkeep. Trainers are suggested to exercise their Pokemon regularly with 18km+ walks multiple times a week to keep the Pokemon awake and spry. Non-destructive forms of target practice are recommended to develop the Pokemon's proficiency and accuracy with psychic volleys. Exercising of telekinetic abilities and focus is best performed in wide, unpopulated areas to minimise possibility of injury.

Training an Exeggutor for battle is a long-term investment of dedication and patience. To attain the greatest performance out of their companion, a trainer must take care to battle condition each of the Pokemon's individual heads. Unequal training amongst the Exeggutor's heads can lead to loss of concentration, poor tracking, and the increased likelihood of a panic response during battle. It is a common misconception that to adequately ready an Exeggutor for battle one needs only to condition the core brain, which is untrue. Each head is capable of independent thought and therefor can influence the decisions and actions taken by the remaining heads. Each head needs to be properly conditioned if a trainer wishes to utilise their Pokemon's full potential. An Exeggutor with a crown of fully trained heads is a formidable and stubborn opponent that can track and multitask between opponents and objectives with considerably greater success and speed than an Exeggutor with only core or majority brain battle training.

As many of the genus' species are legally deaf, owners who intend to battle-train their Exeggutor must take care of choosing which species they pursue for capture if they themselves lack any psychic skill. Training a deaf Exeggutor requires visual or psychic input from the trainer for the Pokemon to follow. While most species of Exeggutor are capable of sight, the use of visual signalling to give battle instruction is considered inefficient and too easily ignored or misinterpreted in the heat of combat. To this end, psychic linking is considered the most effective method of training an Exeggutor. This method requires the trainer to be highly proficient in the psychic arts and possess considerable psychic meddle, as the use of giving orders to the Pokemon via psychic broadcasting requires impressing the command on the core brain in a manner similar to the "mutual agreement" neurological signal given by half or more secondary brains. Accomplishing this requires piercing the Pokemon's layered broadcasting signal, which acts as a four to seven-fold shield against external psychic interference.

While abilities related to Screech are available to Exeggutor, it is rarely utilised in the League for its "uncanny" nature. The Pokemon's ability to make distorted human-like sounds of distress have a documented negative affect on crowd favour in League battles, resulting in its internal soft-banning amongst trainers to build and maintain viewer favor and investment for League judging. The uncanniness of Exeggutor screams can be a manipulation point for opposing trainers looking to rob favour for their team. Surprise tactics, such as the use of fire or illusory attacks, can prompt a sudden, loud, vocal reaction from the opposing Exeggutor, negatively startling the audience.

Breeder's Market and Cultural Value and Impact:

The presence of Exeggutor on the international breeder's market varies heavily, as the genus' species and variants are heavily protected by the governments of its native lands. Exeggutor are difficult to attain and raise naturally and are illegal in some choice regions depending on the strain. All Exeggutor outside of the commercially produced "metropolitan-safe" variants of Munchkin and Urban Palm are considered exotic and require extensive documentation, compatibility screening and, for large variants, agreements with the city of residence including law enforcement to own and further breed for profit. Owning and licensing an Exeggutor as a companion is an expensive investment, with applicants easily rejected for lack of compatibility with their chosen Pokemon.

Similar to many other "restricted" Pokemon, the Exeggutor genus and its species are considered status symbols, exemplifying wealth, talent, or interpersonal connections to permit ownership. A battle-trained Exeggutor acknowledged by the League is seen as a testament to the wealth, time, and expertise of a trainer as well as their bond with the Pokemon. Exeggutor's position in the Pokemon culture of first-world economies as a symbol of wealth is recognised as a detriment to the genus' health world-wide, as the demand for the Pokemon as a show of prowess has resulted in the decimation of entire herds in its native habitats. Wild Exeggutor, preferred by collectors against urban Exeggutor species for their exoticism and "purity", are caught and smuggled across regions to be placed on the lawns of buyers as testaments to deep pockets, often accompanied by forged registration documents or a trail of possession laundering. Wild Exeggutor are often acquired from lands under contested ownership or preservation or flagged for exploitation, poached as a means to "open" untouched wilderness to resource exploitation with considerable reward via under-the-table incentives. Tumultuous registration processes have also encouraged the expansion of illegal nursey operations to include Exeggutor in their wares, growing and peddling exotic and illegal strains to desperate buyers.

Outside of collector and battle culture, Exeggutor are valued as "ambassador" Pokemon, being generally used to educate and encourage respect for wild Pokemon, their homes, and their natural ecology. They are common in conservatories and rehabilitation centres, where their presence draws awe from visitors and encourages calm and safety amongst other resident Pokemon. They are also common in natural parks, which are often built around established Exeggutor territory purely for lack of ability to enter the area for development.

The genus is closely associated to the myth of "immortal fruit" in many regions, due in part to the longevity of several of its species and its general connection to a healthy ecosystem "untouched by man", which in itself is often connected to the concept of godliness or locations touched by the supernatural. This association has lead to both the reverence and violent exploitation of many species of Exeggutor in the past and present, the former seen in conservation efforts and instances of borderline worship of the Pokemon around the world, and the latter taking form of harvesting Exeggcute and Exeggutor meat ("fruit") to be sold as a means to attain eternal life and wisdom. The "fruit" of Exeggutor is the Pokemon's brain matter and its vascular casing, served either in the crown of the Exeggutor itself, or in the husk of a hollowed Exeggcute. The harvesting of the brain matter involves the total removal of the Exeggutor's faces, leaving the remainder of the body behind. The exploitation of Exeggcute and Exeggutor in this way is illegal in most regions for the devastating effect it has on the target Exeggutor population, the landscape and other Pokemon that rely on the Exeggutor for protection, the Pokemon's relationship with the people that share its territory, and as an act of cruelty. As killing an Exeggutor through battle often involves the destruction of the crown faces and the brain matter behind them, faces are taken from the Pokemon while it is under status affect such as sleep or paralysis. The act of removing an Exeggutor's face while it is still alive is commonly justified under the claim that the Pokemon, being regarded as a tree as opposed to an animal, cannot feel pain, and that its ability to survive without a full crown of faces permits such harvesting "without true harm". These justifications are considered petty excuses to sidestep the difficulties in hunting and humanely killing an Exeggutor without damaging its crown faces. Exeggutor are hunted via a combination of the use of paralysis or sleep-inducing spores for immobilisation and psychic and physical barriers to stifle retaliation from both the target Exeggutor and its company. Removal of the entire crown is preferred to attempting to only remove a single face, as the former requires less precision and, if the hunters are properly equipped, less time and risk of injury on the harvesters’ behalf. This method produces greater waste and encourages culling over preservation.

While an Exeggutor can live without the majority of its faces, their removal greatly impacts the Pokemon's quality of life, resulting in Depression, mania and affected coordination, sensory reception, and spacial awareness. The impact on the Exeggutor's health is often greater than what would be generally assumed, as the process of removing even a single face of an Exeggutor often involves considerable damage to the surrounding faces and their tissues. As each face is considered "an individual a part of a whole", an Exeggutor that has lost a face will undergo a protracted, if not permanent, grieving process for its loss. The Exeggutor's vocal patterns and demeanor will change considerably after the loss of one or more faces. Technically, an Exeggutor can survive without any of its crown faces provided its central neurological mass is left perfectly intact. The Pokemon will still be able to perform functions necessary for its basic survival; however, it will be unable to properly navigate without considerable guidance, being rendered blind and deaf to its surroundings. Similarly, the Pokemon will be rendered by and large unable to defend itself from threats. Even if given all the amenities of life, a faced Exeggutor made faceless will perish of "loneliness".

In some regions, Exeggutor are tourist attractions. In the island region of Alola, the native Alolan Palm Exeggutor draws sight-seeing tourists fascinated by the species' size and vaguely draconic appearance. Spotting guides attract visitors with the promise of a potential wild sighting of the protected species, using music to draw out and encourage communication with the Pokemon. 

League Battling:

Exeggutor are rare contenders in the League for their difficulty to train and comparatively short ranged offensive psychic and grass abilities. In type-matched competitions, Exeggutor are considered to be at a disadvantage against either grass or psychic types for their lack of movement speed and limited ability pool. In the wild, Exeggutor have a consistent advantage of surprise, blending in with their surroundings as a part of the vegetation to prevent detection before striking. In the fighting arena, the Pokemon is exposed, its natural advantage stripped. An Exeggutor is at its most effective as a fighter at medium to close range, where its attacks will be at their greatest power and precision. Fast-moving opponents will easily get an advantage on an Exeggutor, as to effectively launch an offense the Pokemon must be able to track and focus upon its target with, ideally, two or more heads. An Exeggutor especially well-trained in the tracking and anticipation of opponent movements is a formidable fighter at almost any range, hurling objects to knock opponents from the skies or to herd them closer to the slow-moving Pokemon to become entrapped in its closer-range attacks and broadcasting radius.

Egg Bomb and Barrage are commonly employed combat techniques by Exeggutor trainers, valued not for accuracy but for keeping opponents unsettled and driving them towards the user. Exeggutor's psychic abilities can make surprise allies out of the environment to further keep opponents on their toes. Psychic waves can encourage the formation of whirlpools in water, influence the movement of vegetation and loose earth to form barriers, traps, and create escape routes. These techniques involve considerable focus on behalf of the Pokemon, however, and can leave it vulnerable to counter and sneak attacks in both single and double battles. The greater the number of heads an Exeggutor possesses, the less pronounced this risk.

Exeggutor can multitask in battle thanks to their multiple heads, but divided attention and resources result in weaker retaliation. The presence of fire will often break an Exeggutor's concentration out of a natural panic and flight response, resulting in lost, misinterpreted, or refused orders given by their trainer. Panicked Exeggutor can be dangerous in the arena if poorly trained, losing sight of the goal to outperform in good sportsmanship and instead striking to deal retaliatory harm. For this reason, very few League-recognised Exeggutor owned by trainers are incorporated into free-form battles unless both the trainer and the Pokemon are exceptionally experienced.

In grass and psychic showmanship, Exeggutor is an inconsistent performer, due in part to its double typing. Exeggutor lacks spores and offensive leaf blades with which to dazzle appreciators of grass-type battles, and influencing the growth of vegetation outside of general movement is not a part of their innate skillset. Barrage-type attacks and techniques such as Wood Hammer are considered visually limited in appeal. Manipulating grassy terrain and objects with their psychic ability can impress some, but is generally viewed as lacking in comparison against other grass types with greater terrain molding abilities. In psychic battles, a well-trained Exeggutor is likely to perform well in ability showmanship; throwing objects, altering terrain, and creating volleys of flashy psychokinetic waves to entertain onlookers. Movement-wise Exeggutor is entirely outperformed by other, nimbler psychic Pokemon, whom are often trained to evade and execute abilities with the grace of a dancer. Trainers looking to improve an Exeggutor's performance weaknesses to out-show their competition will commonly pursue ownership of exotic Exeggutor with wider psychic broadcasting radii or impressive flowering to utilise these attributes to sway favour in viewers, mixing colourful petals with psychic waves, or greater terrain alteration for shock-value to wow onlookers and to knock more graceful opponents off-kilter.

Pit Battling:

Due to their passive nature, most Exeggutor species are not desired contenders in the pit-fighting sphere. However, since the "opening" of the Alolan forests to poaching thanks to the rise of forestry and effectiveness of drone-herding wild Exeggutor from their groves, the newly documented predatory Alolan Mind Hunter and Hell-Bottle Exeggutor species have gained niche popularity in the underground arenas of the Americas, where the variants' hostility and merciless aggression are largely unheard of in relation to the genus' previously-universal standard of passivity and misdirection. Mind Hunters and Hell-Bottles lack an established presence in the American underground breeder's market due in part to general import difficulties, the high "scam" ratio of being sent passive Alolan Palm Exeggcute in the place of the more aggressive Mind Hunter variant, and the general difficulties and dangers associated with gathering Exeggute of the hostile species. Costs for "guaranteed" Mind Hunter or Hell-Bottle Exeggcute ready for maturation are prohibitively steep to exploit their demand, priced by "head". The gathering of a single Exeggcute of either species can incur a charge of several thousand dollars. 

Non-predatory Exeggutor are capable of fighting with intent to maim or kill for entertainment; however, producer Exeggutor are considered too risky an investment. As psychic Pokemon, medium to tall species can dispatch opponents with both speed and messy flair, but the Pokemon's capability of group reasoning amongst its multiple heads make it a danger to its trainer as well as the crowd. A pit-fighting non-carnivorous Exeggutor is likely to turn on its owner, attributing its repeated placement in life-or-death situations to be the fault of the trainer, viewing them as an enemy to be dispatched for the sake of its safety. The full focus of an aggressive medium-sized adult Exeggutor placed on a single person with intent to harm can rend the body quickly, and if the owner has managed to earn the definition of "enemy" from their Pokemon, that same consideration is likely to be passed to arena viewers and opposing trainers, placing them under similar threat. 

A producer Exeggutor can be trained against the notion of their trainer being their enemy, but this takes immense investment and reinforcement on behalf of the owner. Techniques involve isolating the Pokemon from interaction and stimulus outside of the trainer, and must begin from the Exeggcute stage and maintained for at least three years or more for the best effectiveness. Such a technique generates and enforces an intense relationship of reliance stemming from the Pokemon, who will place complete faith in their trainer as the singular object of their attention and needs. However, the method is known to cause both physical and mental stunting and psychological maladaption in the adult Pokemon, which procures its own dangers. Such maladapted Exeggutor are a pronounced danger to anyone and anything who is not their trainer. Any person, Pokemon, or even an object that takes the trainer's attention and care away from it is viewed as a threat to its survival and the Exeggutor will make motions to remove that perceived threat. Unless the trainer has complete control and influence over their Pokemon, this paranoid relationship can result in the owner becoming a "prisoner" of the Exeggutor, who will prevent the trainer from leaving its side or involving themselves with anyone or anything else - by any means necessary. 

Predatory Exeggutor that are active hunters are preferred against producer or trap-hunter species for their natural aggression, pre-packaged prey drive, and natural instinct to pursue. Hunter Exeggutor are considerably less likely to turn on their owners for being pitted against violent opponents. However, an improperly raised predatory Exeggutor will view their owner as potential prey.

Notables and Histories:

FAT MAC: Baobab Exeggutor hailing from the remains of Elevated Africa, formerly under the ownership of a tribal elder, now a part of a conservatory. Fat Mac acknowledges those around it only when spoken to in Swahili, and is estimated to be at least 200 years old.

BAD MOJO: Alolan mind hunter Exeggutor that waged proverbial war against a forestry company that invaded its territory, killing several humans before forcing the industrial entity from Alolan shores. Mojo bears ample scars from its battles and hosts a burning hatred for the remaining humans upon the island.

BAD JUJU: Alleged descendent of Bad Mojo, raised outside of Mojo's herd to encourage bonding with a human trainer. Bad Juju is brought overseas to the big city to compete in the pit-fighting arenas of the Old Americas. It carries Mojo's hate, but directed towards other Pokemon.

KEPOLO: Alolan Palm Exeggutor that had dissolved into a Ditto and became the centre of local myth as the "Kepolo" figure of Alolan history who ate Exeggutor heads / fruit in attempts at becoming "Akua". While its actual age is unknown, Kepolo is thought to be the original historic entity by many, though no empirical proof of this relation exists. The Ditto has haunted Alola's main island for years, and its believed to be responsible for most if not all missing persons cases on the island.

TWIN-STICK: A League-trained Asiatic Weeper Exeggutor that had budded as two individuals conjoined. Twin-Stick sports ten heads divded between two crowns, six on one, four on the other. The Pokemon shows signs of mental distress at its condition, but this is dampened by attentive care given to it by its trainer, Fen Hwei. Twin-Stick is a skilled showman in League battles, having won viewer favour through the use of its seasonal blossoms as accents during psychic volleys.

Historical Engineering:

Initial strains of Exeggutor were based on "conglomeration" engineering, the fusion of multiple bodies or minds into a single figure capable of synchronised thought and movement as a piece of psychic broadcasting equipment. The energy demands of early results and experiments were so high that the creatures created required constant feeding to remain active and healthy. Insufficient feeding would result in rapid death of conglomerate bodies and minds, causing necrosis, physical and psychological enfeeblement, and eventual death.

Photosynthetic cells were introduced into later conglomerate figures to aid in offsetting the high-energy requirements for the creatures to remain active and healthy, as UV bathing technology had become a cheap, readily available resource in the absence of reliable sunlight. The process of nutrient intake via consummation was replaced by injection, and eventually nutrient soaking via absorption. Osteoblasts were incorporated as a primitive natural armour to aid in protecting the biological equipment from general harm stemming from workplace accidents.

Future strains would focus increasingly on psychic broadcasting and information sorting, integral to the maintenance of Silph's workforce and operations as a provider of industrial and weapons-grade equipment. Early Exeggutor would be deployed in protected locations to direct machinery and act as surveillance via mental probing. Minor refinements to the conglomerate's physiology would produce a broad figure that, from a distance, would resemble a simple tree. Conglomerates would stand on fused limbs for stability, employ basic camouflage by way of melanin culturing, and previously integrated photosynthetic cells were refined and encouraged to expand into broad, flat shapes for greater UV capture while stationed in UV-deficient environments.

The production of oxygen as a waste by-product of the conglomerates' photosynthesis was a welcome one with the continued spread of vegetative death as solar and atmospheric compromisation worsened under then-current environmental stresses caused by conflict, permitting internal air reserve replenishment and recycling on-site.

The release of Proto-Exeggutor and its strains into the wild was unintentional. Conglomerates left in the wild unattended were the results of accidental or intentional abandonment or loss through conflict. Others still were compromised shipments of the conglomerates that became "lost" in acts of conflict or sabotage, and left to perish or roam freely. Organisms that survived release into the wild spread and reproduced, eventually creating self-sustaining populations and new strains better suited for survival.

The re-documentation of Exeggutor into Silph's engineering archives as a thriving genus is seen as a considerable win by the monolithic company. The success of environmental repair and resurgence is attributed heavily to the strain and its accidental loss to the wild, where it prevented the encroachment of human habitation and permitted atmospheric regeneration, even in tiny, fragile pockets, as a small but important step towards planet reclamation.