Difference between revisions of "Knobweed"

'''Knobweed''' was a fairly common{{book ref|b|twok|c|23}} reed that grew outside the [[Alethi]] warcamps near the [[Shattered Plains]] on [[Roshar]]{{book ref|b|twok|c|17}} and likely other locations.

Knobweed grew on plains of rock in the leeward side of boulders.{{book ref|b|twok|c|23}} The stalk of the reed was immobile, attached to the rock. The top of the reed contained a frond that would retract during [[highstorm]]s. During each storm, some would get pulled free and blown to a new location, where they would reestablish themselves and spread. Knobweed also gives off fluff,{{book ref|b|twok|c|30}} for some unknown purpose, possibly reproduction. Of late, knobweeds have become harder to find around the Shattered Plains,{{book ref|b|twok|c|27}} possibly due to over-harvesting.

Knobweed stems are sturdy, they have the potential to be woven into hats.{{book ref|b|twok|c|23}}

The sap or "milk" of knobweed is a powerful antiseptic.{{book ref|b|twok|c|23}} It is a creamy white color.{{book ref|b|twok|c|27}} The sap can be removed from the stalk by squeezing it along the stem.{{book ref|b|twok|c|23}} Usually two or three drops are produced. It can be used to clean wounds, or to sanitize hands during surgery.{{book ref|b|twok|c|41}}

The trade of knobweed sap is a lucrative business among the apothecaries supplying the warcamps.{{book ref|b|twok|c|27}} The highprinces are unaware that the reeds they see growing are knobweed, so the apothecaries charge a high rate, two [[spheres|skymarks]]. When Kaladin discovered this, he began selling some of the sap he collected for his [[bridgemen]] to one of the apothecaries for money to feed the wounded and to pay for the nightly stew's ingredients. The apothecary agreed, even though he received less profit, because he could claim ignorance as to where the reeds were coming from if the Alethi found out what he and the other apothecaries had been doing.