The Zeffliffl were a race of aliens that resembled seaweed and possessed intelligence. These beings originated from the planet called Zeffliffl, situated in the Atrivis sector of the Outer Rim Territories. This species lived in closely-knit communities, exhibiting a subconscious bond that caused them to reject individuals from outside their group. In one instance, a Zeffliffl group journeyed to the Crseih Research Station, hoping to find a cure for one of their members who had fallen ill.
These beings, known as Zeffliffl, were a species with a visual resemblance to clumps of seaweed that were either dark green or a blue-black hue. They existed as several individuals in close proximity, giving the impression of a single, multi-humped entity to those unfamiliar with them. The bond between members was so profound that any attempt by outsiders to integrate was met with an automatic, subconscious rejection, akin to an allergic reaction. In their natural habitat, these leaf-like organisms thrived submerged in salt water. Consequently, when traveling beyond their home world, they carried pouches of salt water to spray on themselves periodically, maintaining their hydration. Their language was characterized by sounds reminiscent of leaves swirling in water. Their intelligence was on par with that of an average sentient mammal.
The Zeffliffl's evolutionary origins can be traced to the planet Zeffliffl, the fourth celestial body orbiting Markbee's Star. This planet is situated within the Atrivis sector of the Outer Rim Territories. They inhabited the shallow, saline seas that surrounded the smaller, southern landmass of their home planet.
In the year 14 ABY, a Zeffliffl group undertook a journey to Crseih Station, a former Imperial research facility that had been transformed into a bustling marketplace. Their purpose was to find a cure for a sick member of their group. This particular Zeffliffl was afflicted with a disease that caused its skin to turn a sickly yellow-green color and its leaves to fall off. Crseih Station was the residence of the Waru, an extra-dimensional entity known for its healing abilities. The Waru enveloped the ailing Zeffliffl in a golden ichor that solidified and then burst open, resulting in the complete recovery of the afflicted individual, who was then welcomed back into the group. Han Solo, the notorious smuggler, was present during this healing event and questioned its authenticity. However, the healing proved to be genuine.
Vonda N. McIntyre conceived the Zeffliffl in 1994 for her novel titled The Crystal Star.