Palipus plants grow in abundance across the many arid deserts of Skarpticus. They spend much of their long lives absorbing rain water. Once sexually mature and pollinated, palipus plants will develop their massive pods. When the fruit inside each pod ripens, the plant redirects as much water as possible into the fruits, causing their thick husks to burst open and reveal their fleshy innards.

This water redirection kills the plant in the process, but makes the fruit juicy and refreshing for whatever comes to eat it.

The palipus plant relies on how nourishing it is for survival. Being so nutrient dense and refreshing in a dry desert makes it irresistible. An animal eats it seeds and disposes of them elsewhere, and the manure gives the seeds a fighting chance.

Btw this is kind of the inspiration
Like you’re supposed to reach into the burst husks and eat the exploded fruit by the handful.