Ambushing Aspen

Among the many varieties of Flesh-eating trees, prowls an extremely agile athlete. This manoeuvring monster is known as the Ambushing Aspen. While outwardly appearing to be one of the smaller types of Flesh-eating trees around, it is still a sizable enemy.

The Ambushing Aspen grows to a typical height of 4-5 feet tall. A few have been known to top 6 feet tall, but these seem to be few and far between. The foliage of this tree is wildly sought after by witches, as it is a beautiful shimmering silver. Branches of this tree have decorated many Wizarding families homes and are a widely used as decorations during weddings and other social gatherings. They have also been known to make their way onto the dressiest of robes or even occasionally worn as decorative jewellery. If you are lucky enough to find a branch that has been shed by this tree, you'll be sure to find a willing buyer, should you choose to sell.

Roaming the forest looking for this tree, is not the best of ideas. This tree is a master of disguise. It usually attaches itself to another tree on the edge of worn pathways. It hides itself on the backside of the tree with only a branch or two showing. These branches act as sensors, watching for approaching targets. When a target is within range, the tree will launch itself off its perch, and wrap its branches around its victim. The victim is suffocated and then their blood is drained by the branches.

What can you do if attacked? This tree has one known weakness; it is ticklish. If you are lucky enough to have a free hand or are able to cast the spell (Rictusempra), you may be able to make a getaway. When the tree detaches from its host tree, it makes a loud noise almost like squeaky hinges, so if you find yourself walking in the forest and happen to hear a noise sounding like a groaning door, get your wand at the ready!

Ambushing Aspens are becoming more populated. Partially due to the fact that they are being planted to later be harvested for their wood. These athletic trees have some of the most flexible and strongest hardwoods around. Many Quidditch teams have switched to brooms made from these trees, since they are lightweight and incredibly durable.

If you happen to catch a glimpse of this tree, remember while it may be tempting to try and get a few branches for your own home, they may come at a steep price....your life.

Barbaric Balsawood

This tree is one of the hardest to recognize as flesh-eating. They are normally about 20-50 feet high and are found only in tropical rainforests. Wrapped around the tree is a type of vine that looks identical to the normal strangler fig (a plant that wraps itself around a tree until it dies). The vines around the carnivorous Barbaric Balsawood, however, have the reverse function. They keep the tree inside alive and kill passing by wildlife.

So how does it kill you? The leaves waver, seemingly in the breeze, but really off their own accord. They are picking up tiny vibrations in the air. From these tiny vibrations, the tree can form an image of the surrounding environment, When the environment changes, it knows prey is approaching. From the vibrations alone they can determine the size of the prey, its distance, and its weight. As soon as the prey is within range, the vines shoot out at lightning speed and wrap themselves around the victim. The buttress roots at the base of the tree (special roots specifically adapted to rainforest life) then open up and the victim is pulled in. The tree then closes up again. This is where the jaws of the tree are located. There are thousands of razor sharp teeth in here and the average prey will be devoured in a matter of seconds.

The only way to protect yourself is to make sure you don't make it into the tree's jaws. Once this happens you are - quite literally - dead meat.

To make the vines drop you, you can cut them (diffindo), slow them down (impedimenta) or stun them (stupefy).

If at all possible, you can block them from getting a hold of you in the first place with a simple (protego). However, this is very difficult, as they move so quickly. It is best simply to never get close to a Barbaric Balsawood

Biting Banyan

Among the most vicious varieties of flesh-eating trees, is the Biting Banyan. This is the tree of nightmares, both in appearance and in action. This tree has no mercy when it comes to devouring its dinner.

This type of flesh-eating tree is fairly easy to find in forests. It has the appearance of a completely dead tree. It never holds any foliage, not a single leaf, vine or even the tiniest bit of moss. It does however collect the bones of its prey and hangs them from its own branches. Scientists have yet to determine the exact meaning of hanging the bones amongst their own branches, but there are many theories floating around including either signalling a warning to those who might come too close, acting as trophies to show off in front of other Biting Banyans or as sets of slightly disturbing wind chimes. This mystery continues to baffle the Banyan Biologists.

The Biting Banyan's trunk is a deep maroon colour and the texture is similar to that of the roughest sandpaper. The tree uses its own trunk to sharpen its hunting tools, its branches. Each branch is meticulously sharpened every week, making this one of the most dangerous trees to try to harvest from, its wood is wanted for its strange colouring and rarity. Although the trees themselves are not rare, it is rare to actually see one get harvested. After all they do have an excellent defence with their razor sharp branches.

The Banyan Trees wait patiently for prey to wander their way. Only needing to eat about once in a 300 day period, they can afford the luxury of time, and can even lure small forest creatures to build nests and dens inside of themselves, before striking for a meal. The tree uses its branches as drinking straws. Plunging them into the neck of its victim and then draining them of blood and sinewy tissue. This is also why this flesh-eating tree is known as the "vampire of the forest".

Bitter Bamboo Tree

While many of the varieties of flesh-eating trees contained within these pages will devour an entire wizard with a single bite, the Bitter Bamboo Tree is more of a snacker, preferring to take nibbles out of their victims. They seem to enjoy simply snacking on wandering prey when given the chance.

This flesh-eating tree is mainly found in the Eastern regions of our world. It has been known to grow in greenhouses with some success, but nothing compared to the massive forests that can be found throughout Asia and a few far eastern parts of Europe. This is a tree that thrives in humid conditions. It looks almost identical to the regular bamboo plant, only upon closer inspection, this variety has a series of sharp teeth disguised as thorns. It is a bright shade of green and can grow to a height of 90 feet in only a few short months!

The Bitter Bamboo Tree is relatively harmless. Most often they may bite a witch or wizard without them even noticing until much later. The crescent moon shaped bites will become red and often swollen. They can be treated with aloe plants, which will take away the sting and help with the irritation. These trees shouldn't be feared unless you become tangled up in one of the many groves of trees. If this becomes your fate, the trees will nibble you into oblivion. A typical tree needs to feed only a few times each year, obtaining the majority of its nutrients from the water, air and decomposing forest floor. When grown in captivity it is best to provide the Bitter Bamboo Tree with a liberal serving of Mooncalf Dung.

The Bitter Bamboo Tree is one of the few flesh-eating trees around that will actually pass up an easy meal, if it isn't hungry. It seems that to this tree the flesh of a fresh victim is more of an appetizer than a full meal.

Crystallized Cedar

A most dangerous breed of flesh-eating tree lies relatively in the open, perfectly accessible to all wizards, goblins, elves, fairies, and Muggles alike, if not to the entire magical community. Although its choice of prey is insects, it has no qualms to a nice tasty morsel of goblin or human. It cannot move about freely and is susceptible to most elements when its protective coat peels off. Ironically, it is this very coat that gives them their fame.

It is the Crystallized Cedar, characterized by the pink sheen to its bark, which consists of the thin fluid that contains the Crystallized Cedar’s most dangerous ability. This fluid is made of various hydrocarbons mixed with other curious elements. But the result of this chemistry is devastating. This pink fluid that gives the Crystallized Cedar its infamy is its ability to instantly crystallize, and thus kill, its prey. It seeps into cells and can easily permeate the various sub-layers of the skin to enter the bloodstream. From there, the blood will harden. The process happens so quickly that most do not even realize that a tree of all things has caught them.

The appearance of this flesh-eating tree is not so imposing. Despite the pinkness of its bark, which can peel off in strips without much force, it is vulnerable to the natural elements. A small wind will tear off the very bark of the Crystallized Cedar, thus ridding it of its potent offense and defence mechanism. When this happens, the tree is in its most vulnerable state. The best season to get rid of Crystallized Cedars is in the fall to wintertime. A simple axe in hand or a lit match will get rid of them fairly quickly. A heavy rainstorm will also do the same trick as a light wind, peeling the bark off this flesh-eating tree.

Enchanting Elm

One of the more intriguing varieties of flesh eating trees, is commonly referred to as the Elf Eater. Its terrible nickname is derived from the type of food it favours. This tree likes to lure the little beings near and devour them whole. Those "little beings" it adores the flavour of, are of course elves. This tree does not discriminate between house elves, forest elves, or any other type of elf. It will gladly entice any elf with the hope of enjoying a delicious meal.

It is believed by Enchanted Elm specialists, that the tree sings a song that enchants any elf within a ten foot radius, thus tricking the poor elves into actually climbing right into the hungry tree's mouth! No witch or wizard has ever heard this song. However several elves that have survived near fatal incidents with Enchanting Elms, have described pleasant music lulling them into a kind of sleeping trance.

The Enchanting Elm only eats elves, so many wizarding families plant these trees in their gardens or on their estates to ensure house elves do not venture away from their duties. House elves that do not venture outdoors will of course be safe, but you might find it useful to warn them of the lurking danger if they are planted nearby.

Enchanting Elms are fairly easy to distinguish from other forest dwelling plants and trees. The bark of the tree shimmers in a pale dusty gold while the leaves and berries are a brilliant fuchsia colour. This tree seems to stand out like a beacon amongst the sea of dark colours most forests contain. This variety grows to 20 feet in height with impressive trunk girths. They also seem to be homes for a wide variety of magical creatures. One of the most stunning creatures that call’s this sturdy tree home is the Phoenix. Although rarely observed in the wild, it is known to frequent the branches of this enchanted tree.

Once every 365 days, on the coldest day of the year, this tree sheds its berries. When harvested these berries are used to brew some of the finest Firewhiskey available. Knowing how to identify this flesh-eating tree can prove useful when wandering the forest while travelling, or when simply trying to warn your own house elf of impending danger.

Flesh-eating Fir

The most popular flesh-eating tree in the world is the Flesh-eating Fir. While its name may conjure up unseemly nightmares, this variety is actually completely harmless to us wizarding folk. This particular type of flesh-eating tree feasts upon its own kind, devouring bark, roots and flesh of the other dangerous trees lurking in our forests. While this may seem like reason enough to celebrate this strange little tree, it is its unusual foliage that has made it so popular.

The Flesh-eating Fir has extremely pale cream coloured leaves. These leaves glow like a million tiny lanterns when touched by moonlight. This feature alone makes it a wonder to behold and a reason why so many wizarding families try to keep these trees near their homes. However this tree has a few more tricks up its sleeve. While relatively small compared to some of its relatives, at a maximum height of 4 feet, it roams the forest floors at speeds of up to 7 miles per hour.

Hunting is done strictly in daylight when it has the advantage of sneaking up on its prey sleeping under the sun. It attacks quickly and efficiently biting chunks out of the chosen target and then quickly retreating to find new prey. Many trees have multiple scars left by these avid eaters. It never entirely kills the other flesh eating trees, it just lives off them almost like a lightning quick parasite.

This tree is also commonly referred to as the Cannibalistic Christmas tree. While resembling a common Christmas tree when lit up at night, it also decorates itself with small trinkets, flowers, and oddities it finds while roaming the forests. Making some of these trees walking works of art. If you are lucky maybe you'll catch a glimpse of one of these spectacular trees while in its full moonlit splendour.

Haunted Holly

Many will dispute whether or not our next entry truly belongs in a book on the subject of "flesh-eating trees". This is because there is no evidence proving without doubt that the Haunted Holly actually devours anything. You see, this tricky tree is surrounded by ghosts that many believe have been consumed by the tree. They may have been eaten by the tree, but no ghost that has ever haunted this particular variety of tree, has ever remembered how it actually died.

We are certain that someday evidence will prove that these souls are lurking at the very site of their demise, and that their attacker will surely prove to be the Haunted Holly tree they now call home.

Haunted Holly's are almost exact replicas of the mundane tree they share their names with. The mundane Holly tree has very similar foliage and grows in very similar environmental conditions. They also both grow berries, though on the mundane tree its berries are a brilliant red and often used to decorate at Christmas. The Haunted Holly's berries are a shade of electric blue. This will help in identifying this tree, should you stumble across one while travelling. The Haunted Holly is a bit of a loner. It prefers to grow alone in open fields or meadows. Many have speculated that this works in the trees favour, as it may offer a bit of shade to weary travellers, lure them in and then devour them whole while no one is looking.

Extensive study of the ghosts' wardrobes, has led researchers to believe that these trees only eat about once a century. Some haunted hollies have up to ten ghosts surrounding them. While many of the entities may not show themselves at first, if you spend a small amount of time around the Haunted Holly, they will eventually reveal themselves. The victims come from varied backgrounds, and the one common thread linking them to together, is the memory they have shortly before becoming ghosts. They all remember an extremely loud cracking noise and then complete darkness.

Many of these trees have been studied diligently. Most scientists believe the tree strikes the victims head with single blow from its heavy branches and then devours them whole leaving no trace of evidence behind. Until we catch an actual attack happening, we have no way to determine if these trees are in fact ruthless hunters, or if they are being accused of crimes they didn't commit. Until we can prove they are completely innocent, we will include them on our list of flesh-eating trees to be on the lookout for!

Hollow Marauder

Located deep in the desert lands of the Sahara, there lies a deadly threat in hiding. It stands in wait under the blistering hot sun, hungering for innocent flesh to stumble into its deadly mires. It is a flesh-eating tree that is not classified as dangerous as its cousins are around the globe due to the fact that it is not responsible for a large number of human casualties. This tree is known as the Hollow Marauder, an apt name given the terrible way it extinguishes the life of its victims.

More cacti than tree, its bark is a pale tan and is of the same texture and quality as that of a cactus’ skin. This allows for the Hollow Marauder to save water during the dry months to survive in this desert landscape. It has a root network that travels many meters in any given direction, a survival technique that other desert plants, magical or not, employ to further save the life-giving water. These roots are located just under the sand giving this tree the perfect opportunity to create its web. For you see, the tree is very much in control of its roots and uses them to spring out of the ground to capture prey. The process is very quick but death comes slowly to the victims. Because of the harshness of the environment, all species must learn to conserve all resources as effectively as possible. So the Hollow Marauder encases its prey inside its trunk which is mostly hollow. A waxy material is then secreted which furthers along the embalming process. In this way, the life force of its victim will slowly be absorbed by the tree itself until either the victim dies or the tree finds a new victim. In the latter case, the ‘old’ victim will quickly be disposed of.

This brutal process makes death by the Hollow Marauder very slow and undoubtedly painful. It seems to like to feast upon the desert rabbits and rattlesnakes. There are not many ways to kill this kind of tree because its outer layer is so tough and waxy, making it immune to most diseases, the sun, and blunt weapons.

Hunting Hawthorne

Many wizards find themselves questioning their magical abilities if they know they will be travelling through forests with flesh-eating trees. Will their magic be enough to fight off any attacks? This is one flesh eating tree many wizards choose to hunt for themselves, though we do not recommend this strategy at all. Many witches and wizards set off in areas these trees are known to repeatedly stalk. The reason many wizarding folk seek this deciduous little devil out, is to test their own magical capabilities. You see, this particular variety of flesh-eating tree only hunts extremely powerful magical beings.

You may think that would limit the amount of prey available to them, but they aren't picky as to what type of creature they hunt. It may be a tiny pixie or an overgrown ogre. This tree literally feeds off the magic provided by its chosen prey. It will avoid easy targets and wait until something truly magical wanders into its territory.

These trees are reported to have hunting grounds covering hundreds of square miles. They travel when hungry and can cover ground quickly. Hunting Hawthorne’s actually resemble overgrown hedges, and can use this as an advantage when hunting. This unruly hedge like appearance can help conceal them in almost any forest environment.

This flesh-eating tree hunts its prey for quite awhile seemingly to make sure the target is effort worthy. Favoured meal choices include Hippogriffs, Unicorns and certain varieties of Dragons. Occasionally you may even see a Hunting Hawthorne along the banks of a lake. More than likely it is hoping to catch an unsuspecting mermaid.

Hunting Hawthorne’s grow to between 6 and 7 feet tall. They are a dark shade of olive green and have unruly branches that stick out in all directions. When the Hunting Hawthorne finally attacks it unleashes thorns hidden under its leaves to drink its prey. These razor sharp thorns act as straws. The tree will then drink its prey dry and move on to another part of its hunting grounds.

Many are tempted to see if these flesh-eating trees will hunt them down. Some wizards use it as a test of magical ability. If they haven't reached a certain level of power, the trees will show no interest. We will leave the choice of whether or not you decide to go looking for this tree up to you, but we recommend a strong suit of armour and good broom for survival if you do choose to set out on this quest!

Kackling Cactus

The most obscure flesh-eating tree in the Wizarding world is the Kackling Cactus. This dangerously prickly prankster is also known commonly referred to as the Wasteland Warbler. Known far and wide for its high screeching laugh, this flesh-eating tree is as dangerous to eardrums as it is to the wizard themselves.

Found primarily in extremely hot and humid regions (usually deserts), this is not a tree commonly known to Wizarding folk. Very few wizards willingly wander about to try to catch a glimpse of this rare specimen. These trees do not like highly populated or developed areas. As such few attacks have been documented, but there are a few, and who knows when they actually started keeping track! This variety can grow anywhere between 6 inches tall all the way to a towering height of thirty feet. Which is pretty impressive for a desert dweller.

Besides a wizard or two, this flesh-eating tree most commonly dines on lizards, snakes and razorback rabbits. These poor creatures are drawn to the cactus in hopes of catching some much needed shade. The tree has been known to shift shapes and appear to overheated eyes as a water source, shade tree, and even a pool of water. While it is impossible to know what each animal sees when drawn to this flesh-eating variety, it must be something truly enticing. Or perhaps it may be stunned by the ear piercing laugh emanating from the cactus. The cactus will then leap into action, goring the prey with its sharp spines and devouring the meal through its mouth which is found at the base of the tree.

Though this tree has been cloaked in relative secrecy, Ministry Scientists have been in the field observing and experimenting. New research has been developed that shows this varieties sap can heal burns rapidly. Perhaps we will one day see these fearsome trees closer to home if they become an asset to our medical community. Just remember to keep your distance and look twice at anything too appealing on an unbearably hot day.

Lightning Mystic

One of the more docile flesh-eating trees in the world, the Lightning Mystic is a curious piece of vegetation indeed. It has characteristic spiral leaves that are usually the length of its trunk. The bark is a whitish pink with yellow streaks mixed in. The cacophony of colour is thought to help it blend into its surroundings. Thought to be the cousin of a mangrove and a child of an experiment gone wrong, the Lightning Mystic traverses the salty seas until it reaches a distant sandy shore, whereupon its thousands of roots gouge into the soft soil. These trees do not travel so far from where they were spawned, however, and so most of these species can be found near a secluded island near New Zealand.

There have not been many human casualties up to this date, although when they happen the end result is not as gruesome as other deaths. The docility and mercifulness of this flesh-eating tree species is displayed in the way the Lightning Mystic eats its prey. First, the tree releases a hormone into the air, which causes its victim to fall into a listless stupor, which eventually turns into a deep slumber. As quickly as anything known to man and wizard kind, the Lightning Mystic rips its roots through the sand and reels in its prey to be devoured by some unknown means underneath the ground. This process happens so fast that Muggles have been known to have someone next to them snatched up without their realization.

The ‘mystic’ aspect of its name is, well, just a catchy end phrase that some person made up when this flesh-eating tree was discovered. If ever you want to catch a glimpse of this magnificent being, traverse to the coasts of New Zealand. You’ll be lucky if you ever come back.

Midnight Magnolia

One of the rarest specimens of flesh-eating trees in the world is the Midnight Magnolia. This wicked sibling of the Magnolia tree derives its name from its dark blackish purple blossoms, which bloom only under the shining beams of moonlight. This tree feasts upon small birds and mammals, devouring everything from sparrows to pigeons to garden gnomes. When one of these unknowing little animals happens to get too close, the snapping branches quickly ensnare their prey and guide it to the mouth of the tree. You can find the mouth located on the trunk below the crook of the branches.

It was once common to hear legends involving these trees, luring small children near and then devouring them. These stories are false. The trees do not like the flavour of human flesh. It is believed these stories were created by witches and wizards trying to protect their valuable trees or enchanted tree forts from harm.

The Midnight Magnolia is one of the most beautiful varieties of flesh eating trees. The dark iridescent purple and black flowers are quite striking against the pale green foliage. This is a highly sought after tree; those that do possess these trees, guard them and seedlings viciously. The scarceness of these trees increases the value, and any chance to buy one will usually only be found in highly questionable black magic markets. The Midnight Magnolia gives off a musky honey like fragrance, both sweet and spicy.

This particular variety is one of the smallest of the flesh eating trees you will come across. Growing to an average height of between 6-8 feet tall. They do tend to grow best in full sunlight and thrive when able to bask under the moon at night. The pleasant aroma and breath taking appearance would make the perfect complement to any wizarding family's enchanted garden. Do not pass up the chance to own one of these rare treasures should the opportunity ever arise. Although you may want to keep any small family pets away from it.

Miniature Munching Maple

Hidden amongst the shadows and foliage of the forest, is a tiny treasure of a tree. This flesh-eating tree is one of the world's smallest. Reaching to a mere 3 feet at its full height. It has often been compared to some of the world’s most beautiful Bonsai trees. This tree is known to come in varying shades of yellow, orange and red. With the trademark maple leaves covering its minute branches. It does not produce any maple syrup but this does have the unique talent of eating any insect that meanders its way.

Each individual leaf is capable of quickly closing upon itself to create a cocoon. This in turn suffocates the unlucky passing, or crawling insects. The flesh of the insect is then absorbed through the leaves and into the rest of the tree. A disturbing process that can take up to 6 months depending on the size of the trapped insect. Rumours of trees eating birds and fairies have been spread far and wide, but there are no actual documented cases of this happening. Although if you are a fairy, you may want to keep your distance from the largest of these trees.

The size of this tree and its insect trapping capabilities make it a favourite among wizarding family households. It is fairly easy to grow, being fond of both sun and shade. It is also commonly used in offices and classrooms to capture unwanted disturbances and keep the flying creatures from causing distractions.

While this maple is not known for its sweet syrup, the sap is actually quite sought after and it is used as one of the main ingredients in Granny Grayson's Goitre Glue, which can be readily found in most magical medicine shops.

Though not among the most feared varieties of flesh-eating trees, this wonderfully petite plant still holds a prestigious place in our Magical forests.

Ogreous Oak

This particular tree is named for its putrid sticky green bark, which will ensnare anything that wanders too close. However, as dangerous as this giant may be, it is considered to be the friendliest of all flesh-eating trees.

Ogreous Oaks are most commonly found in enchanted forests. Occasionally one will wind up in a neighbouring Muggle forest, but they will not survive long in a non-magical environment. They are travelling trees and migrate to different parts of the forest. However movement does not come quickly to these towering trees. On average an Ogreous Oak's top speed is around 0.1km per day. Even though it seems to take an eternity for these trees to move about, you will still want to be wary of their presence in the forest.

Ogreous Oaks are one of the largest varieties of flesh eating trees, often reaching far above the top of the canopy. Obscuring sunlight for surrounding trees, they are usually found standing alone. However they aren't exactly solitary beings. Fan-tailed Pheasants make their messy homes among the massive branches. These pheasants have intensely oiled feathers that allow them to interact with the tree without becoming trapped. The trees seem to appreciate their company and are often observed sheltering the birds during severe weather.

These Oaks devour their prey by encasing them into the bark and then absorbing it into the roots. The entire process takes between 10-14 hours. If you find yourself ensnared you will have time to mount an escape plan. Whatever you do not panic! Struggling will only enmesh you further into the grasp of its beastly branches. If you happen to be wearing extra layers, it should be simple to slip away. If that won't work you can try singing the song of the Fan-tailed Pheasant. It sounds a lot like a chicken sneezing. The Oak may think one of its inhabitants is in danger and release you. The only other option is to magically summon olive oil. Cover yourself completely and wriggle free. You may be overly moisturized for weeks, but at least you will be alive.

Ogreous Oaks only need to eat once or twice during a one hundred year period. They will often entrap an unsuspecting unicorn or a napping nargle. Although they can be extremely dangerous, they are a big part of our magical forests and should be respected for the great giants they are.

Pouncing Palm

Among the strangest varieties of flesh-eating trees lurks our next predator. The Pouncing Palm is an unusual hunter. It usually strikes its prey in broad daylight, and almost always moves less than 12 inches to do so.

The Pouncing Palm grows in tropical and some desert climates. It prefers to have water sources nearby, so it is rarely found in deserts unless located near some sort of oasis. These trees grow to about 50 feet tall. They enjoy swaying in tropical breezes, so you will often spot them around luxury hotels and well populated beaches.

These flesh-eating trees only feed on magical beings, so Muggles are still unaware of their ulterior motive of feasting on witches, wizards and other magical creatures. Many times Muggles unknowingly help Pouncing Palms to set up wizard catching traps.

The Pouncing Palm will set itself up on a gorgeous tropical beach, where a Muggles might be known to hang an innocent looking hammock. A weary travelling wizard might see the hammock and try to rest. That is when the Pouncing Palm jumps roots first onto the victim and devours them without a trace left behind. This all happens in a matter of seconds. In fact the Pouncing Palm is known as the fastest moving flesh-eating tree. Although it is limited to only short bursts of speed. These trees somehow enchant the local area, so that no Muggle has ever witnessed an attack.

Many wizards have also fallen victim to this tree by simply sitting against it to get a bit of shade. The tree will strike at lightening quick speeds with little or no reaction ever coming from its prey. Though these trees look very similar to their Muggle counterparts, the Pouncing Palm has a distinct red stripe running down the middle of each palm. You can see these stripes from quite a distance as the red is a very bright shade. These trees also seem to prefer standing alone or in groups of two or less. If you happen to see a palm tree in the middle of a sandy area standing by itself, be cautious. This might just be a trap waiting for you.

Snargaluff

Lounging about on the forest floor is an enemy waiting for a chance to strike. This master of disguise is known as the Snargaluff. Technically the Snargaluff is categorized as a herb, but it choose to take the form of a tree and is a flesh-eating plant.

The Snargaluff can be extremely difficult to distinguish in the wild. It is in fact a master at seeming inconspicuous. Many of its victims will never even know what hit them, until it is too late. The Snargaluff lies quietly incognito, disguised as a lump of dead wood. This costume is so effective it is actually impossible to identify the Snargaluff even when it is placed next to an actual lump of dead wood. What an incredible feat of concealment! In fact the Snargaluff is being studied closely by the ministry in the hopes they will discover its cloaking secrets which would enable them to duplicate its actions to use in future security projects.

When the Snargaluff senses company, the plant instantly sprouts long and extremely prickly vines. These vines whip about violently hoping to grab a hold on the approaching victim. This plant does let off quiet growls, when a tasty treat wanders its way. This should offer you a bit of a clue that you are in danger and perhaps the chance to grab your wand. When the plant does get a grasp on a victim, it will then devour them whole.

Smaller varieties of this plant are less harmful and can be approached in order to harvest Snargaluff pods. These pods are used in a variety of magical products. These include potions, ointments and even magical candies. It is highly recommended that you never approach one of these plants unless accompanied by another witch or wizard, even if it is one of the smaller types. If attacked, you may have a chance at escaping if you have a friend to help, or if you can manage to fire off a stunning spell or two.

Snargaluffs should be avoided except by those highly experienced with harvesting their pods.

Stalking Cedar

Hidden amongst the many magical trees of our forests roams an intimidating enemy. This menacing forest dweller also happens to be the most feared flesh eating tree. This particular variety is known as The Stalking Cedar, which is aptly named for its prey hunting capabilities. Once it has locked onto its target, this tree will deftly manoeuvre itself into position for a fanciful feast.

This is one of the trickier varieties to spot in the wild. The trunk is dark brown and roughly carved with cracks. The foliage is an ordinary shade of emerald green. The biggest give-away it has, is the odour that constantly surrounds it. The Stalking Cedar seems to be enveloped in a putrid cloud of rotting flesh. This smart stalker has even been known to try hiding next to fragrant blossoming trees. Seemingly in order to mask their own fragrance and catch a traveller or passerby unaware.

When in stalking mode, the tree is nearly silent. It can glide over the landscape undetected except for the faint sound of the wind slightly rustling its leaves. This tree has massive roots, which are more for chewing, than digging. Preferring to stick to sandier soil grounds, this tree is usually found near coastal areas, though they have been known to migrate out of these areas if food sources become scarce.

Humans seem to be the favourite food among this variety. These giant hunters have even been known to eat multiple victims at one time. Devouring entire picnicking outings, lunch basket and all. Though they also hunt small game such as boar, rabbits, and deer.

Reaching to heights of well over eighty feet tall, this tree can search far and wide for its next meal. Individual trees have been known to live for close to three hundred years, all the while honing their hunting practices. Stalking Cedars have become increasingly rare due to infestations of Wobbling Weevils which burrow into the bark and eat these flesh eating trees from the roots upwards.

Be wary while walking the forest, and listen carefully for the rustle of leaves on a still day. These trees are truly a marvel to watch in action, as long as you are not the target.

Swampy Sycamore

Forests can be peaceful calming places, where we can seek solace from our busy wizarding lives, but you'll want to be especially careful of strolling through forests in wet and rainy weather. This Flesh Eating tree thrives in moist, cool environments. Waiting until wet weather to hunt, this tree uses moisture to glide over the muddy earth in search of its next meal.

Swampy Sycamore trees are somewhat squat. Often seeming almost as wide as they are tall. This variety grows to an average height of 20 feet and has a girth of at least 10 feet in diameter. The branches are usually covered with a valuable mouldy green moss. These trees are also known to be one of the favourite nesting sites of horned owls, who like to travel with the mighty trees and seem to keep similar sleeping and hunting hours.

A vast system of roots helps provide excellent stability and strength. These nimble roots help this variety to easily cover over 5 square miles of hunting territory in a single night. This type of flesh-eating tree uses vibrations through the ground to find and stalk its prey. When in striking distance you may hear a tell tale rustle of leaves and a noise generated by the branches that sounds like a massive yawn, before you feel the mossy branches close around you. If this happens, more than likely it will be too late to launch an escape, but the moss covered branches can be fairly slippery. You may have a bit of hope if you can muster up a burst of energy and try to wriggle free.

These trees are usually found resting during the day. The magical mouldy moss found growing on its branches is commonly used in magical medicinal ointments and salves. As such it is common to see perfectly sane witches and wizards approaching these trees during daylight hours. Daylight attacks have been documented, but these usually happen during years of drought, or severely dry seasons.

If you'd like to get a closer look at one of these trees your best approach would be to wait until a fierce storm blows through. Head out at first light to catch this tree in its resting state and hopefully with an already full belly.

Tunnelling Teak

You will not want to wander alone in a dark forest after reading about the Tunnelling Teak. This dangerous flesh-eating tree has captured many a wizard travelling down darkened paths. Many maps sold in Wizarding stations have these trees documented along various routes, but they do tend to shift their positions, so be extra vigilant if travelling alone or when the forest is darkened.

This type of flesh-eating tree can grow to a height of 100 feet. Looming over the canopy with its bright orange leaves. While you might think the leaves would act as a deterrent, the trees seem to have no problem preying upon creatures that unknowingly pass to close. The bright orange foliage can prove to be helpful while searching the horizon for this variety. During the spring the orange leaves are easily detected, but many creatures are either colour blind, or just plainly distracted, and that is what this tree always hopes for.

One highly interesting fact about this variety is that it hibernates during the coldest parts of the year. Some Wizards can even accurately predict the weather based on this trees behaviour. While this tree is hibernating it will feed off of the many stored up meals it hides in its massive underground roots system. This hibernating nap can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the winter climate. If you need to travel in this trees territory, the peak of its hibernation period is the best time to do so.

So how exactly does this tree eat its prey? The Tunnelling Teak digs tricky trenches about 8 feet away from its base. The unknowing prey falls into the trench, is grabbed by the trees tremendously strong roots, it is then suffocated by the roots which constrict the air out of its victim, and is preserves in the tree's sap. Indeed it is a very nasty business, and you can see why this is among the most feared of the flesh eating trees! The tree may or may not devour the meal. The sap can preserve the victims for many years. Every once in a while a fully preserved creature is found in an abandoned trench.

Several accounts have been recorded where a quick acting witch or wizard was able to fight off the branches long enough to escape. Sadly there are only a handful of those stories, and too many unhappy endings to list. If you have to travel in the dark parts of the forest, try taking a friend to help you should you "fall" into trouble.

Vampire Alder

Found in the darkest of forests, is the Vampire Alder. This blood-loving tree luckily stands out, and is easy to see. The Vampire Alder thrives in dark places under the cover of other trees.

The Vampire Alder is a rather small tree. On average it grows to be five feet tall, and although small, it is very deadly. The leaves come in pairs, there's a top and a bottom one together, forming something like a mouth. It has large green teeth, and it's bark is a grey-black colour. This tree is stout and strong. The Vampire Alder is very easy to spot, after all how many trees have leaves that come in pairs with teeth?

The Vampire Alder flourishes in dry, populated areas. It hates water, and can be found in the driest of places, except deserts. This tree prefers populous areas, as there is more prey. It is not light that helps this tree grow, but the gloomy dark. The Vampire Alder hates light, but loves being under the ill-lighted protection of other trees.

This tree is sustained by blood. It will reach out with its many mouth-like leaves and grab its prey. Once your caught by a Vampire Alder there's no getting out, it will drain your blood in less than a minute. It's a good thing you can spot it out like light in dark, or rather dark in light.

All in all, you want to stay away from this tree, it's a killer. But it is very easy to see, so watch out. And luckily, there aren't very many populated, dry areas, people tend to prefer being near a water source. So remember, stay away from double leaves with teeth, you'll be sorry if you don't.

Weaving Willow

Among the many varieties of flesh-eating trees, this type known as the Weaving Willow, is one of the hardest working. This tree really works hard for its food! The Weaving Willow works diligently weaving its long vine like branches into nets, which it lays under leaves and debris on the forest floor. There the trees branches wait for prey to cross its path. When the prey is within the confines of the net, the branches spring up and the prey is caught within a finally woven web of leaves and wood.

These trees can grow up to 60 feet tall and usually spread out with trunks as wide as 10 feet across. The branches droop to the ground, and it shares the distinct look of its harmless relative the Weeping Willow. The foliage is a very dark shade of green and slightly tinged with grey. It indeed looks quite gloomy and you might even suspect it to be hibernating, but it is almost always working away, weaving a net for its next victim.

Each net this tree produces takes between 4-5 years to perfect. The process of weaving is slow for these trees, but they constantly work at them. Weaving their leaves and branches tightly together to create a deadly trap. Most trees have six to seven good nets, and if they are all finished the tree will meticulously go over them to find any weak spots or damaged areas.

When something is caught, the tree doesn't devour the prey whole. It takes bites slowly prolonging the preys suffering. Many witches and wizards have escaped the clutches of these trees, and many have the scars to prove it. You definitely don't want to be caught by this flesh-eating tree, but if you are, you will have plenty of time to plan an escape. One guaranteed method of escape is fire. These trees will not tolerate flames of any sort. If you can manage to conjure up some flames, or call out for some help to build a fire, you may be able to get the tree to release you from its grip.

The Weaving Willow is a fascinating variety of flesh-eating tree, but it is best admired from a distance with a flaming torch at your side.

Western Winterberry

In the shadowy depths of the great north western forests, lurks a clever hunter. This particular flesh-eating tree is known as an ally to some in the wizarding world. You see this flesh-eater seeks out a particular type victim.

The Western Winterberry sticks to the forests of the north western United States. Choosing wet, damp and darker environments. The weather and overcast skies seem to suit this trees tastes. It has roamed these forests for many hundreds of years, and research has shown that they probably migrated here out of an enchanted forest near the equator. While they may have once been a tropical variety, they have now morphed into a hardy cold weather tree.

This tree grown to an average height of 35 feet. While seemingly petite in the flesh-eating world, they retain their diminutive stature in order to maintain their athletic abilities. This tree can jump up to 20 feet high and can cover great distances in sprints. It does grow weary within a few minutes, but can move at speeds close to 45 miles per hour.

This hunter has a very select victim. They hunt only at night and only for werewolves. Apparently somewhere between the equator and the forests they now call home, they developed a taste for furry flesh. They will stalk their prey for hours and then leap at them when given the right chance. They smother their victims and then absorb them through their vast root system.

This is not a pretty picture, and many anti-werewolf individuals in the community may cheer on these flesh-eaters. There are some group currently fighting for protection for the werewolves, though at this time it appears that nothing will be done to protect the werewolves.

This tree can be identified by its pale green foliage, thick cream coloured bark and bright red berries. It maintains these berries year round as a tool to attract birds. When successful hunts, are few and far between this flesh eater will hunt birds as a means of survival.

This diverse and interesting tree is unique and wonderful to watch in the wild, Just beware if you are travelling t see these flesh-eating trees near a full moon. You may get more of a show than you bargained for.