Sounds like you need parametric mapping. Look at the trees in Carrara to see how they are setup. I did not know that plugin worked with layers list. Hope it works with domains soon, if it doesn't. Layers list are a mess. The shaders plus helps with notes, but I really don't care for certain aspects of them. Rather have the choice. I don't use it so... Maybe Eric will stop by.

No need to think outside the box....
    Just make it invisible.