| Ramora
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,510
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Former Professor Valon Kazimeriz
Graduated |  Kool-Aid, Oh Yeah! | | SS Mischief Maker
Quote:
Originally Posted by tex  Cy didn’t know the history behind this plant, but he DID listen to the other students. And, the Aussie just didn’t understand what Kazimeriz meant by ‘offensive’. “With all due respect sah’, I can’t see what’s so offensive. I find it funny!”
The first year crossed his arms in speculation. He liked muggles! All of his very best friends back in Australia were muggles. Either these terms really WERE offensive, or it just took A LOT to actually offend Cy.
Probably the latter.
Kazimeriz raised an eyebrow. Apparently the chap wasn't strong in History of Magic, or he'd know that muggle stereotypes too often led to attempts to repress their society. But this was neither the time nor place to strike up that lively debate. Quote:
Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl Professor Bunbury decided to allow Kazimeriz to acknowledge the students' examples of where gillyweed could or could not be used in potions. That was what he was there for, after all, not just as an ornamental decoration on her pink chair. No, Varius Tipps, he was NOT that good-looking. Not. Nevah. Not happening.
One of Abby's examples was relevant, Bunbury did know that at least. "Gillyweed can be helpful in absorbing excess water, excellent Abby," the redhead spoke up with a nod.
And was it just her or did this little Hufflepuff look utterly confused? Good.
"No, Cy," she'd gotten his name now, "I don't recall gillyweed being an ingredient in Polyjuice, but uh," Bunbury glanced toward Kazi, "perhaps there's a variety of the potion I'm not aware of?" Yeah right.
Ah, well, somebody was bound to get confused. Thank you, Kazimeriz. Bunbury sighed a little and explained herself better.
"Gillyweed, I suppose would be in the same genus but a different species. Gillyweed is, I guess, called Cuscuta oxygenium," she clarified. "As far as shared characteristics, well both are obviously parasitic, they have the winding stem, similar seeding practices and such - but the big difference is that gillyweed, as a transfigurational herb, thrives off the water and any moisture it can absorb from the host plant or bush. It's like....a more sentient, developed and magical species of cuscuta."
She crossed her arms and realized that probably wasn't much more helpful. "Basically, think of it like this: There's gillyweed and then there's cuscuta. Gillyweed has magical properties which means it cannot be exactly the same, except in cases where it fails to receive the proper nutrients from a host plant. When it becomes too dry, the magical properties basically dry up and the dormant plant is then treated and used the same as cuscuta. Gillyweed also only grows in the Mediterranean, remember, whereas cuscuta has 100 to 170 different species found all over the world. Does that make more sense?"
Oh dear, Clifford was going to embarrass himself, not only as a wizard but also as a citizen of the British Empire who clearly had no idea how to make tea. Bunbury's eyes flickered shut for a moment, like she was wincing at the boy's explanation, and then she simply shook her head at him. He.... probably had a cousin who was a troll. Yep. And Varius Tipps was related to an annoying Pixie, rambling about invincibility potions....fantastic.... Kazimeriz nodded; his admiration for the herbology professor growing. That was very well explained, in his opinion. It was critical that students really understand the differences in these types of botanical ingredients if they were to survive his course, so he was glad she was competent. Quote:
Originally Posted by SenoritaMaxie What, what, what?
Fyo blinked, before raising a hand.
"So dried gillyweed can be used as cuscuta, but they're not the same thing - right, professor?" he asked. Because, you know, that was a MUCH easier statement. - Could really simplify things, if it turned out to be correct.
"Same genus, but a different species. Cuscuta is the genus... Cuscuta oxygenium is the magical species that we know as gillyweed. It is the only one of the 170-odd types of cuscuta that is sentient and carries magical properties. It is important for you to understand the difference between cuscuta oxygenium and other species of cuscuta -- in other words, you must be able to recognize gillyweed even when in its dormant form, as gillyweed even in its dormant state has different magical properties than any other species of cuscuta."
"It is also important to know the difference so that you can identify dormant gillyweed in the field. If you can do that, you can plant a properly hydrated host nearby for the plant to transfer to. This will allow the plant to leave its dormant state so that it may be harvested as gillyweed for your use. You cannot harvest dry, dormant cuscuta and then attempt to rehydrate it back into 'gillyweed'. Once it is detached from its host plant in a dormant state, it will never wake."
"Dormant cuscuta oxygenium is useful for some potions, primarily love potions. Active cuscuta-- gillyweed-- also has many uses in potions, mainly antidotes, although unlike cuscuta in its dormant state, it is a standalone transfigurational botanical. In other words, we can use both dormant cuscuta and active gillyweed in many potions, but active gillyweed is unique because it can be used all by itself to grow the trademark gills and webbing that make it useful for those who need to spend time underwater." Kazimeriz looked around, hoping he had not confused them all terribly. He looked to Bunbury hoping he had clarified things. "Just to recap: there are two types of the genus cuscuta. One is mundane cuscuta, of which there are over 160 species. The other is magical: cuscuta oxygenium, which when harvested active-- wet, sentient, alive and magical-- is called gillyweed. This can be used in potions and also is used to grow gills and breathe underwater. When harvested dormant, that same plant is called 'cuscuta' or 'dodder' and can be used in potions but cannot be brought back into an active 'gillyweed' state at any time. Once you harvest it, it stays in whichever state it was in when harvested. Is that clear?" Quote:
Originally Posted by Waterloo It was clear by Professor Bunbury's reaction that his idea wasn't ... good. Not good was probably an understatement though. Heck, the Professor almost looked like she was embarrassed for him. Bleh. Gillyweed tea was a good idea.. not that he'd try it --
Oooh, hello?
Clifford snorted LOUDLY when Varius Tipps slid a drawing his way. Oh gaaawd. Quickly disguising his snort for a fake cough, the Head Boy bowed his head and wordlessly passed the VERY ATTRACTIVE drawing along to Copernicus Kettleburn. Kazimeriz eyed Carden. "Have you something to share with the class, Carden?" he asked. Quote:
Originally Posted by Princesspotter1234 "So...", Mia said, hoping she wasnt being too stupid,"gillyweed is just the magical version of cuscuta?" "Magical and active- wet, sentient, wriggling, and able to transfigure gills onto a witch or wizard. Yes." At least one student was understanding...
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