Redwort

Growth form:

Grows in clumps close to the ground. Has a thick stem, with reddish veins and produces flat-topped purple or rose flowers.

Uses:

Medicinal: Used as a scrubbing/cleansing disinfectant and also for infection.

Outside Info:

Leaves a red stain on hands, has nasty stench (Nirelka), clean-smelling herb (Dragonlovers) used as an Antiseptic wash and protects skin from being affected by numbweed.

Additional Info

Redwort: a herb native to Pern. A low-growing, clumping herb with a thick stem, flat leaves, and blossoms (flat-topped purple or rose flowers) and red-veined stalks. A liquid made from the herb (decoction in alcohol? Leaves, stems, or roots/rhizomes? We don't know) is used as an antiseptic wash. Another, very important aspect of redwort is that it protects the skin from being affected by numbweed. Redwort leaves a reddish stain on the skin and has a nasty odour [Ner] but is said to be a clean smelling herb in The Dragonlovers Guide to Pern. Closest Terran equivalent: the most obvious comparison is the surgical antiseptic Betadine, an iodine compound which leaves a distinct yellow-brown stain on skin, cloth, and anything else it touches. [submitted by Jennifer Quail; added to Pern Encyclopedia].