Is this possible to do with a .veg file? I'm aware that I could place a tree, edit the highlights of the leaves, save it as a vob, and use that for the ecosystem...but what if I need to animate the leaves or want randomization of my trees (which to my understanding you cant do with a vob). Is this possible? I've noticed much flickering in trees has to do with the highlights of the leaves in the distance...

You can save a new specy with modified textures using the plant editor. It will be a .veg file.

Ahhhh...I never did it that way. I'd edit, hit ok, and then choose 'save object' in the file menu. I never knew they were different. Thanks!

You can always change materials of your ecosystem objects. In the material tab of the world browser, look for the material you want to change, double clic on it, and make your changes. As for saving to .veg, not possible with an ecosystem object, only when it's a "real" tree. If you choose "save object", it will be saved as vob, regular polygon object, but if you choose .veg, then it's another SolidGrowth plant, with all the advantages of SG.