Popcorn Plant



The Popcorn Plant, referred to in-code as the SeedCob, is a tall, red pod attached to a black stem that is reminiscent of a stalk of corn. Popcorn Plants are initially inedible, and need to be opened by hitting the pod with a spear. When hit with a spear, the pod will split up the middle and the two sides will curl upwards, revealing a yellow stem with edible kernels that audibly 'pop' open. (During this opening animation, the plant is still inedible).

Once opened, the pod's kernels can be grabbed, either by passing past the plant or using the grab button (the automatic grab is slower than a manual one). Each kernel will restore one food pip, even when playing as the Hunter. The Popcorn Plant will provide a limitless supply of food until the end of the cycle. On the subsequent cycle, Popcorn Plants that were opened will have a withered appearance and cannot be interacted with. After several cycles, the withered Popcorn Plants will regenerate, and are ready to be opened again.

Popcorn Plants are often found in groups of two or more. The useable ones will be accompanied with dead plants that are permanently withered. These dead plants have no use to the Slugcat.

Strategy
As Popcorn Plants provide unlimited food for one cycle, they are particularly helpful to complete cycles in which the player has a low amount of food pips, because of either low food collection the previous cycle, playing as Hunter, or being in starvation mode.

Trivia

 * Popcorn plants are the only food item that the Slugcat will automatically eat when within range, and the only food source besides Batflies that the player will automatically grab.