Alfala Grass (Al-Farla)

Written by Loremaster Aemon

Alfala Grass

Alfala Grass can only be found on the plains of The Centaur Ride in The Kingdom of Pelosia. The grass is used for Thatching (for roofing), Baskets & Mats, and Furniture & Bedding. The Shoot of the Alfala Grass is also edible if harvested at the correct time in its growth cycle (within the three to six weeks stage). It is a good source of nutrition for most Humanoids, Horses & Livestock, and Centaurs. For Centaurs it is a major part of their diet, along with fruit & vegetables and cooked meats.

Thatching

Thatching is the craft of building a roof with dry vegetation, layering the vegetation so as to shed water away from the inner roof. Since the bulk of the Grass stays dry and is densely packed-trapping air-Thatching also functions as insulation.

Alfala Reed

The Alfala Reed found only in marshy wetland areas, around lake shores and river banks, and in most Countries of the Realms. The Reed is used for Boat Building (only one or two manned), Sticks (Incense), Wicks (Aromatic oils) and Papyrus (Writing Material).

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Grown from a seed, the seed is blown on the wind currents (wild), settles in the soil (mud), takes root and is fully grown within three moons. Alfala Grass seeds are important for farmers and are a much needed and well used plant.

Growth Rate & Stages

From Seed to shoot (three weeks), shoot to stem (three weeks), stem to fully grown grass (reed) averaging 5-9 feet in length (six weeks). With adequate sunshine and a good amount of rain the Alfala Grass (Reed) can be fully grown within three Moons (Months). The Alfala Grass (Reed) only grows between the Moons of Ploh and Leafall (3rd to 9th Months).

Ecology and Habitats

The Alfala Grass (Reed) needs sunshine and rain for it to grow to its full potential. The areas of Marshy wetland around the shores of lakes and river banks produce a slightly different variation of Grass (Reed).

Biological Cycle

The Alfala Grass (Reed) only grows between the Moons of Ploh and Leafall after this time it dries out and becomes brittle, then during the Winter Moons it becomes mulch.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Thatching, reed sticks (scented wicks), reed boat, basketry, furniture & bedding, mats, papyrus (writing material) and a food source (Edible shoots)

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Grass only found on The Centaur Ride, The Reed found in most marshy wetland areas, around lake shores and river banks.

Scientific Name

Phragmites Alfalis

Origin/Ancestry

The Centaur Ride (Plain/Grasslands)The Kingdom of Pelosia/Marshy wetland (the Reed), Anywhere in the Realms.

Conservation Status

Important plant that is protected by farmers because of its use as a food source and for its use in industry (Thatching, Furniture, etc).

Average Height

6 feet (usually between 5-9 feet in length)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Grass-Yellowish/Brown Colouring.
Reed-Greenish/Brown Colouring.
The Shoot-Whitish/Clear Colouring.