Whispergrass
From ElanVital
Whispergrass is an abundant plant native to Voltumnus, growing in great fields out on the frontier.
Though extremely prolific, the strain of whispergrass currently dominant on Voltumnus is believed to actually be a foreign breed introduced many years ago before--perhaps by some animal from a different continent. Evidence suggests that for awhile, whispergrass dominated the natural scene until the native wildlife developed an appetite for it--particularly the neta. It is commonly seen in Charon, as few other plants are hardy enough for the climate.
In appearance, whispergrass has a long, golden-colored leaf year round that only gains the slightest touches of pale green in the early springtime. Like most grasses, its root system is a shallow net just beneath the topsoil, easily unearthed. Its name is derived from the feathery shape of its leaves, and the sounds they make when they brush against each other as the wind moves through them--a sound like hundreds of human, whispering voices.
Tales tell of people lost in the frontier being driven insane before their deaths by the sounds of whispergrass.
Harvested and properly prepared, whispergrass is edible and highly nutritious--used in a number of foods. Raw, it is largely inedible, and aside from tasting horrible, induces vomiting in most people (though it will not kill, or cause any serious illness--the effects typically wear off after about four to six hours). Cooked, many people appreciate the taste. The leaf has a pungent, herbal flavor, and the root blander, more of a staple food. Some people compare the taste of the root to whole-grain noodles. Oftentimes, the leaf will be used as a seasoning in another dish--often meat or stew--and the root is cooked, seasoned, and eaten as a dish in and of itself.
The reason for the reaction many people have to whispergrass is the high concentration of tannins contained within the plant.
Whispergrass is also used to distill patina--a common wine in Titania. The creation of this wine is complex, but no secret.
