Submission (#6320) Approved

There’s a special type of seaweed that grows only in the region of Palu’au. Despite its name, the weed doesn’t naturally grow in the sea, but instead grows on the sandy dunes where it is eventually covered during high tide. The wavy, slimy plant has a gray, hard appearance while on the beach, but when submerged in water, it turns an iridescent blue-green that shimmers slightly. The plant provides coverage for ocean life that make their way up the beach during high tide, as the crystal clear ocean water leaves little room to hide for foragers. Many fish, shrimp, and algae use the weed as a part of their staple diets, though crabs are some of the only species that prefer it’s inert, gray state. Birds may also occasionally snack on the weed, but generally they prefer to look for morsels hiding in it.

The Palu’au Eldertree is a large, towering palm tree that overlooks the entire region. At its base, Elnin can find this special seaweed permanently submerged due to the lack of low tide in the area. The surrounding beach is filled with various types of huts and plant-based abodes, as Elnin bustle to and from their various ocean-faring job duties. Smaller outcroppings of palm trees sway in the wind, coconuts occasionally falling down on top of unsuspecting ‘nin.

This area is also the best place to harvest the special seaweed. If harvested out of water, it retains its dull, hard appearance. If harvested in the water, it stays iridescent and lasts much longer. Common uses for the seaweed involve creating special dyes for fabric, trading it with other regions as a commodity, and eating it within savory dishes. Due to the beautiful look and its various uses, it has recently been petitioned to undergo protective measures to ensure that it isn’t over-harvested near the Eldertree in particular.