Violet Polyp

Violet Polyps are a type of fungus that spits foul-smelling acid blobs at creatures that come near them.

Description
Violet Polyps are about 147 centimetres in height and 40 centimetres in width. A healthy violet polyps has a violet colouration while those that are struggling turn lilac. It roots itself steadily to the ground with an excessive mycelium network, but can be relocated by digging up the ground that it is rooted in. Once well rooted the mycelium will spread out into weaker but touch sensitive tendrils on the ground. It uses these tendrils to sense approaching creatures when they step on them. The body of the violet polyp is covered by an highly acidic slime which is upon contact capable of melting even metal objects. The reproductive organ of the violet polyp is capable of shooting blobs of this acid slime that it covers itself with at any creature that it senses through its mycelium tendrils. Ones the creature dies the polyp's tendril will spread out to the fresh corpse and absorb its nutrients.

Usage
Violet polyps are often used in caves and mines as a type of hidden defence turret. These tendrils are efficient at keeping invaders out but still shoot indiscriminately at anything that touches their tendrils. It is not unheard of for people to get trapped underground while their own self-grown violet polyps blocks the exit.