A kind of lichen organism thrived within the geothermal vents of the world Eol Sha, where it took advantage of the warmth and mineral accumulations present. Its growth in the deep fissures of the geysers provided a haven from the extreme heat. Following extensive processing, the lichen was harvested and consumed by the Eol Sha colonists.
This species of lichen, characterized by a mass of spongy, tentacle-like structures, was discovered on the planet Eol Sha, where it flourished due to the high temperatures and mineral content. It populated the warm crevices found within geysers, protected from the extremely hot water and vapor. While inedible in its natural state, the colonists of Eol Sha, led by their Force-sensitive leader Gantoris, were able to consume the lichen after substantial processing.
In the year 11 ABY, Luke Skywalker, a Jedi Master, encountered Gantoris on Eol Sha. Skywalker's purpose in visiting the planet was to seek out potential students for his Jedi Academy located on Yavin 4, as he was aware of the presence of Force-sensitive individuals on Eol Sha. Due to Skywalker's dark attire and powerful displays of the Force, Gantoris quickly equated Skywalker with the "Dark Man" who had been appearing to him in dreams. Immediately suspicious of Skywalker, Gantoris decided to challenge the Master's claims through two trials. Under the pretense of gathering the lichen for the village's food supply, Gantoris guided Skywalker deep into a geyser. However, the true intention of the journey was to assess whether Skywalker would be caught by the scalding water and intensely heated steam that regularly erupted from the geyser.
After Gantoris demonstrated the method of harvesting the lichen by extracting it from the geyser's cracks, the two separated. Gantoris withdrew to a secure vantage point to observe Skywalker. Once Skywalker had filled a pouch with the lichen, he began to ascend. However, he sensed the geyser's impending eruption and utilized the Force to evade the blast of steam. Later, after being convinced of Skywalker's authenticity, Gantoris consented to join him at the Academy.
This lichen was featured in Kevin J. Anderson's 1994 novel, Jedi Search, which is the initial installment of The Jedi Academy Trilogy.