Talath Lothen

The largest part of Lebennin was the central plain. It was fertile and partially covered with grass. Its name derived from the many wild flowers that grew here. Downs and hills made the landscape varied and sheltered the flora from the sea winds. Most of the Talath Lothen (S. "Flowery Plain") had been cultivated since the Second Age, being central Gondor's most important grain-producing region. Wheat was the main crop. Big groves of grey-green olive trees were found at most villages, providing a secondary crop. Some of the best vineyards were found in Lebennin; those along the lower Sirith valley were particularly famous ("as good as Sirith red," as the saying Went), competing with the best Emyn Arnen brands. The farmers also grew many kinds of vegetables and berries, and in sheltered places the traveler could spot peaches and apricots. In the south were evergreen orange trees, as well as myrtles and pomegranates. There, the farmers had also planted long lines of poplars at strategic positions, to break the strong winds from the Bay of Belfalas. This area was largely cultivated, but there was still much grassland, grazed by cattle and horses. Two beautiful flowers were found here, the alfirin (a small field flower with snow-white, star-shaped petals) and the mallos (a golden perennial, only found in Lebennin and Belfalas). There were some scattered woodlands: in the south, ever- green cypresses and stone pines, mixed with chestnuts and oaks; but farther north, mostly beeches and oaks. The Talath Lothen was a home to all manner of birds— from the smallest singing varieties to the large storks. Most predators that would pose a threat to men had been exterminated, and the cultivated areas supported only smaller wildlife, such as martens, badgers, rabbits, hares, and small rodents. Some species of deer roamed the woods.