Welcome to a Most Unusual Jungle.
A landscape lush with unique vegetation, a strange pattern of precipitation and inhabitants with perplexing customs converge to create a habitat that is unlike any other.
Rich green foliage consisting of Monstera deliciosa, Dracaena warneckii, Eucalyptus globulus and Falsa succulent plastica adorn the landscape. While none of these plants are native to the area (in fact, no plants are native to the area) they manage to thrive with assistance from a pair of Homo sapiens that frequent the jungle. Filtered sunlight and high humidity contribute to the success of the vegetation, even though they are thousands of miles from their expected landscapes. The Falsa succulent plastica is the most hardy of the bunch and, should mysterious forces (or general uncleanliness) prevent the daily rains, it will survive even the most lengthy of droughts.
Similar to a Congolese or Ecuadorian jungle, there are periodic showers that almost seem scheduled. However, unlike southern regions, the rainfall temperature here is nearly scalding (115 degrees Fahrenheit to be precise). This hot torrential downpour occurs every evening around 8:00 pm and lasts for approximately 15 minutes. Strangely enough, the female relishes the alarmingly hot water while the male cowers when exposed to it. Conversely, if the temperature is colder than expected, the female hisses and exhibits surprisingly aggressive behavior while the male tolerates it without much complaint. Occasionally the atmosphere will also release precipitation early in the morning.
The pair of Homo sapiens utilize the daily showers for grooming purposes; however, on occasion they will remain submerged amidst the steam and vapors long after their grooming rituals are complete. The female most notably engages in this behavior and will often seek comfort beneath the water after experiencing a stressor or during an illness. She may remain submerged upwards of thirty minutes after particularly grueling circumstances or news (such as transmission of a devastating tribal illness). The male will approach her to comfort her, and to make sure a drowning has not occurred, and then leave her in peace. Experts believe this is a coping mechanism designed to ease physiological and psychological tension associated with events that transpire outside the jungle.
Near typical equatorial jungles, the floor is covered in dense detritus consisting of fungi, fallen trees, shrubs and decomposing organic matter. That is strictly frowned upon in this most unusual jungle. Any fungi noticed here is quickly dispatched. The Homo sapiens don’t seem to understand that it plays an important role in breaking down plants and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Perhaps they are attempting to rely on the Falsa succulent plastica to do that.
Like all mammals, the Homo sapiens create digestive waste. However, all waste (and occasionally, and problematically, other things too) is removed via an automatic channel that instantly transports it outside of the jungle to avoid contamination.
Loud noises and sounds often emanate from within the depths of this most unusual jungle. Calls from various northern bird species may be noted through a portal to other lands. Sometimes a Homo sapien emits a deep sigh during an evening after a long day of foraging and attempting to comprehend the massive world with their massive cerebrums. Sometimes a cacophony (or symphony depending on your musical preferences) plays from a small black box while the female engages in grooming behavior such as brushing her fur or oiling her face. Rarely, there is a surprised scream when an inhabitant discovers a nonnative spider species on the floor of the jungle (it should be left alone- biodiversity is key!). Babbling water gurgles through the gulleys. Murmurs hint of functioning digestive systems.
All mentioned noises are indicative of a healthy ecosystem. But- if one of the Homo sapiens lies on the floor, curled up, yelling incessantly, then the various medicinal herbs within the jungle will not help. The creature should be transported immediately to a healer outside the realm of the jungle.
Occasionally other members of the Homo sapien tribe will venture into this compact jungle and curiously inspect the wonders of the space. Interesting smells and potions, plush cloths and accoutrements, leafy foliage and peppermint pastes cover the land and beg for investigation.
A stealthy monster sometimes emerges, ready to attack an unsuspecting Monstera leaf. Or, to meow at a Homo sapien with opposable thumbs to summon the rains so that the stealthy monster may imbibe a fresh drink of water.
It’s rare to see different species stay in such proximity to each other, and yet, they seem to have a uniquely symbiotic relationship. The Homo sapiens offer the feline monster food and water, and the feline offers the Homo sapiens a companion to fawn over. Evolution indeed works in mysterious ways.
While this most unusual jungle is only .00033 hectares, it’s contribution to the health and well-being of the Homo sapiens that visit it cannot be overstated. Often an over-looked space, the jungle provides contributions to many facets of life for the Homo sapiens.
Perhaps it is not so unusual after all.
