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Silverback Grass

Gramineus metallicus

Mega Flora - Grazing Species
Silverback Grass is 8-10 foot tall grass with metallic appearance and high mineral content.

Physical Properties

Silverback Grass reaches heights of 8-10 feet and grows in dense patches that create substantial grazing areas. The grass has a distinctive metallic appearance that gives it its name, with silvery sheens that catch the light. Despite its metallic appearance, the grass has a soft texture that makes it palatable for large herbivores.

Metallic Appearance

The metallic appearance of Silverback Grass is caused by specialized cells that contain mineral deposits, particularly metallic elements. This unique characteristic not only gives the grass its distinctive look but also contributes to its high nutritional value. The metallic sheen helps the grass reflect sunlight and regulate temperature.

High Mineral Content

Silverback Grass has evolved to concentrate minerals from the soil, resulting in exceptionally high mineral content. This makes it an excellent food source for animals that require substantial mineral intake, particularly large herbivores like Oliphants and Woolbacks. The minerals are essential for bone development and overall health.

Rapid Growth

The grass has a rapid growth rate that allows it to quickly recover from grazing and maintain dense patches. This rapid growth ensures a sustainable food source for large herbivores and helps the grass compete with other vegetation in its habitat. The quick regrowth makes it an ideal grazing species.

Ecological Role

Silverback Grass serves as a primary food source for Oliphants and Woolbacks, providing the substantial quantities of food needed to sustain these large animals. The grass contributes to soil enrichment through its mineral cycling and helps control erosion with its dense root systems. The grass also plays a role in mineral cycling within its ecosystem.

Soft Texture

Despite its metallic appearance, Silverback Grass has a surprisingly soft texture that makes it easy for large herbivores to consume. This combination of high nutritional value and palatability makes it a preferred food source for megafauna. The soft texture also makes it suitable for various grazing animals.

Information compiled by the Imperial Academy of Natural Studies, 2025 PC3.