DonBongo
SWRP Writer
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2022
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 10
A common plant that due to the crossing of agricultural worlds has become impossible to figure out exactly its point of origin. Due to its rapid growth cycle and ability to rapidly spread many communities and archives classify the leaf as a weed and while it doesn't soak up much nutrients from the soil the potential to overwhelm saplings and other budding plants makes it a pest.
The plant takes the form of a narrow fibrous tube with stringy roots that grows roughly two inches in length and remains completely under the soil. Once mature the root system grows a single vibrant yellow leaf that after a few weeks will turn a deep red and then curl in on itself as it converts the leaf into a seed pod shell. Once the seeds are mature inside the pod it breaks and simple delivery system of a seed attached to a soft cotton like tuft that catches the wind and allows the seed to move away from the base. Once the cycle is complete the root system will regrow the leaf and repeat the process again and again causing a rapid spread.
The seeds take 3-4 weeks to form the root system and then another 2 weeks to grow its own leaf and then a week later for the leaf to convert to a seed pod and for the next wave to germinate.
Uses:
While small and mostly harmless the leaf itself has a very sweet flavor which can be eaten raw or brewed into a tea if another is gathered and while not bad for the consumer lacks any real nutritional value. The root system is also safe to eat and actually has a decent nutritional value but is horribly bitter.
Cultural importance:
For farming communities that deal with sweet leaf it is often a regular chore to have children run the fields when yellow leaves are spotted in an effort to remove them from the fields. These would act as a treat for the children that found them and creates a scavenger hunt atmosphere when they grow. The roots often added to stews or other meals to add nutrients for poor families or children are forced to eat them raw as punishment
The plant takes the form of a narrow fibrous tube with stringy roots that grows roughly two inches in length and remains completely under the soil. Once mature the root system grows a single vibrant yellow leaf that after a few weeks will turn a deep red and then curl in on itself as it converts the leaf into a seed pod shell. Once the seeds are mature inside the pod it breaks and simple delivery system of a seed attached to a soft cotton like tuft that catches the wind and allows the seed to move away from the base. Once the cycle is complete the root system will regrow the leaf and repeat the process again and again causing a rapid spread.
The seeds take 3-4 weeks to form the root system and then another 2 weeks to grow its own leaf and then a week later for the leaf to convert to a seed pod and for the next wave to germinate.
Uses:
While small and mostly harmless the leaf itself has a very sweet flavor which can be eaten raw or brewed into a tea if another is gathered and while not bad for the consumer lacks any real nutritional value. The root system is also safe to eat and actually has a decent nutritional value but is horribly bitter.
Cultural importance:
For farming communities that deal with sweet leaf it is often a regular chore to have children run the fields when yellow leaves are spotted in an effort to remove them from the fields. These would act as a treat for the children that found them and creates a scavenger hunt atmosphere when they grow. The roots often added to stews or other meals to add nutrients for poor families or children are forced to eat them raw as punishment