Rapine was a plant. It could be used for many purposes, including fuel, food and synthetic metal. It was the basis for much of the civilisation on Parakon. It was processed exclusively by the Parakon Corporation. Though Rapine grew rapidly had had an extensive number of uses, it consumed a massive amount of nutrients without returning anything to the soil. The only way a crop could be sustained was with a huge amount of fertilizer.
The Parakon Corporation ultimately supported its crop by instigating tribal warfare on various planets and prolonging such conflicts by supplying both sides with weaponry. The bodies of the casualties would be processed into organic matter an shipped to the various production colonies as prepackaged fertilizer. (AUDIO: The Paradise of Death)