Sandlichen? What in the name of the two moons is that? Some kind of desert weed? I don’t care about it. It’s probably poisonous anyway.
Ara Di'har, Adventurer
Appearance
One of the few plants that thrives in the desert, this yellowish brown lichen can found all over the continent. It has a yellowish-brown color and a soft outward texture, resembling fine hair or fur. Sandlichen feeds on the silica of the rocks and sand it inhabits, slowly breaking them down into smaller particles. It is one the few plants than can survive under the relentless glare of the desert sun without needing much water, making it a common sight in the arid deserts and wastelands of Aran'sha.
Habitat
Sandlichen prefers to grow on smooth and flat surfaces, such as rocks, boulders, or sandstone. It avoids direct sunlight and strong winds, so it often grows in the shade of larger rocks or structures. Once established it can spread quickly and cover large areas, forming patches or carpets of yellowish-brown fuzz. Sandlichen is resilient and adaptable, and can survive in harsh conditions where other plants cannot dare to grow. It's a favorite food of the
Sand Monitor and they can usually be found nearby.
Importance to the people
Sandlichen has several uses for adventurers and locals alike. It can be harvested, processed and woven into a coarse fabric, which can be used as a clothing, bedding, or shelter. The resulting fabric, while durable and partly insulating does not take colors well, making the garment a yellowish brown that some desert wanderers appreciate, but more fashionable people abhor.
Sandlichen can also be used as a source of food, as it is edible and (slighly) nutritious, but it has a bland and dry taste that requires a lot of seasoning to stomach. Some desert tribes see the plant as a sacred, as it symbolizes life and perseverance in the barren lands as few others can.
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