Tinderreed

The tinderreed is a species of aquatic plant native to the riverbanks of the Moztak Swamplands, in the southern DSRR, named for its flammable heads. 
==Description==
Tinderreeds have long, thin stalks that protrude from the water, and can reach 4 sextants in height. The tinderreed has a pale, dimorphic root system: the greater root is a sort of taproot, and grows sideways to anchor the plant to the riverbank, whereas the lesser root system grows down and absorbs nutrients from the body of water. The heads of the tinderreed give it its name, for they are very flammable despite the humid environment in which the plant grows. 
==Edibility and Use in Cooking and Medicine==
Both roots are edible, but the greater root is rather tough, while the lesser root is tastier and more nutritious. The young stalks are traditionally eaten fresh in the spring or summer, while the roots can be preserved for consumption in the leaner months of winter. The head, while appealing, is not edible whatsoever. The roots can be made into a salve to treat burns, as well as stop bleeding from small wounds. 
==Other Uses==
The flammable heads and long stalks of the tinderreed plants make them excellent torches, or sources of heat in winter. The stalks can be woven into baskets, cord and knots, and has traditionally been used for thatching. The long stalks are still used to make long fibers for specialized textiles today. The heads and stalks have insulating properties and can be used in construction, but the heads are rarely used due to the inherent fire hazard they create. The stalk, when cut, was used as a simple writing implement as early as two thousand years BP. 
Category:Flora and Fauna