Rivergrass

Rivergrass is a plant commonly found on the shores of the Meleatte River in Arad. It is used by the people of Thripia to make parchment and reedrafts among other things or for use as an incense which drives bees away from their hives.

Appearance

So named because it grows out of shallow water, rivergrass typically is found in large groups which may cover a significant portion of a river's bank. It is known for having long stalks, about a third or half the height of a man, and emerald coloring occasional flaked with strips and slashes of yellow and brown. Rivergrass is relatively stiff thanks to its firm outer layer. Within this protective bark are a core of stringy fibers, pale green, that are useful for a variety of purposes.

Properties

The fibrous core of rivergrass is useful thanks to both its surprising strength and natural gum. When laid out in strips, pressed together and dried, the substance forms a natural glue which allows parchment to be made which in turn is used for everything from record keeping to poetry to medicine. As well as this, rivergrass is used in constructions of all kinds including for tools, furniture, baskets, clothing and reedrafts. When burnt, rivergrass fibers exude a unique scent, described as a mixture of sweet and bitter flavors, one which is partially noxious to bees. As such, rivergrass incense is used to drive the insects out of hives and apiaries so that ichor can be harvested from them.

Lifespan

~4-5 years