Manak is a hardy shrub found growing in shaded and sheltered grottos on Tatooine. A low lying plant with unusually large leaves for desert flora, Manak is more sensitive to lack of water than most plants on its native planet and can only be found where water seeps to the surface, in folds and gullies protected from the merciless heat of the twin suns. Manak leaves can grow to almost half a metre in length, almost unheard of in an environment where large leaves typically mean added water loss through transpiration. The deep green leaves are have a layer of wax to help prevent excessive water loss, and Manak has roots that delve deep into the ground in the endless quest for water, as well as finer surface roots that seek out water sources above ground. Manak leaves are often harvested by desert travelers who are fortunate enough to encounter them, as they have a rich, nutty flavour once the waxy layer is removed and the leaves are cooked over a fire. These leaves are also traditionally used by Tatooine’s natives to wrap and roast gorg, a species of local amphibian, and the richly flavoured leaves add an additional layer of complexity to an otherwise bland food source.