Rin-Lin Grass, also known as Rin-Lin Reeds, is a plant native to
Donora and a major staple crop on the planet.
Appearance
Rin-Lin Grass grows thin reedlike structures with feathery tassel leaves on the top, normally around a few feet tall. When disturbed the leaves close, folding together, as a protective mechanism to protect itself and hopefully startle any animals that would eat it.
The plant also has a sturdy root system which helps to anchor the plant to the ground. Numerous different reed shoots can all be connected to the same root system and would technically all be of the same plant.
They grow in marshy environments in shallow slightly flowing water, like the shallow part of lakes or ponds. When raised for agriculture, they are planted in paddy fields where they can grow in their desired environment yet still be easily watched over.
In spring, during pollination season the top of the plant blooms into what becomes the leafy tassel structure on the top of the plant. The blooms of the plant are small white buds that turn into small circular seeds which fall off the plant and float away to seed a new plant for the next season. The seeds are not edible for Donorians but they are a food source for many seed-eating aquatic species.
The plants are annual, meaning that they only live for a single season before dying in the fall, they, of course, produce seeds that the next generation grows from in the next spring.
Uses
The Rin-Lin plant has many parts that can be used by both
Donorians and animals, due to this it is a main staple crop on Donora. The stringy insides of the plant are edible when boiled and are a common ingredient in
Donorian dishes. The insides are often made into a pasta-like dish and served in soups or with sauces. The roots of the plant are also edible when boiled and are used in many dishes.
The reeds are also used in traditional fabric and paper-making methods, however, artificial textiles have mostly replaced these materials. These traditional textiles are also more expensive and time-consuming to make, so these products are used for more luxury items for people who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and are willing to splurge a bit.
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