1 = innocuous and boring
2 = somewhat interesting
3 = useful with no dangerous qualities
4 = useful but might have some unpleasant side effects
5 = useful but use with caution
6 = useful but considered dangerous
7 = somewhat useful but highly dangerous
8 = somewhat useful but could kill you if you're not careful
9 = no uses found and dangerous to be in proximity
10 = you are dead if you touch, inhale or are within 6 inches of this plant

Types of Water Plants

There are a whole host of varies water plants- both magical and mundane. Whether they are grasses, weeds, wreaths or sponges, they each serve their natural purpose in these incredibly fine-tuned ecosystems, as well as in our day to day lives.

General Uses

Water plants have been used for centuries not only as decorative water features but also defensively, for the health benefits provided by these miracle minerals. Water plants are regularly used in potions and in the medical field. A number of these plants are also used domestically for cleaning, cooking and skin care.

Sub-Categories of Water Plants

Water Plants are generally divided into three sub-categories, which usually describe the way in which they grow within their respective habitats. These three categories are Submerged, Marginal and Floating.

Submerged
These plants are found to live almost entirely beneath the waters surface, rooted to the sea floor. Occasionally you will find one of these which has flowers or leaves floating on the surface, but do not get these confused with marginal or floating plants.

Marginal
Like the Submerged plant, Marginal plants are also rooted to the sea floor, however it is only their roots and stem that are found beneath the waters surface the rest is floating on the top.

Floating
As the name suggests Floating plants, are those that float on the waters surface, the thing that separates these from the Marginal plants or indeed at times the Submerged plants is that unlike those they are not rooted in soil.

Obtaining Water Plants

While Water Plants- both magical and mundane, are generally available in most good Apothecaries and Aquatic Botanists. However there is nothing quite like going out and finding your own little aquatic miracle.

Shops
Apothecaries are generally well stocked with anything water plant related in terms of health and food supplements, potions ingredients and cleaning agents, but if you’re after a live specimen you are better off going to an aquatic botanist. They reputable botanist will always have a lively, fresh, generous selection of these little miracles. But be warned, you will always pay for quality.

In the Wild
It is always best to go out and discover what the depths have to offer us in person. Here not only will you be able to appreciate the subtle beauties of the environment but also the plants in their natural habitats. Swimming is generally a required skill when it comes to collecting specimens from the wild, though there are alternative options. If you are not an adept swimmer, or if the depths are too great then you always have options.

Gillyweed (see text for more details) is not only a fascinating water plant in its own right but it is also a tool commonly used to aid under water explorers and expeditioners. Caution should be taken when using in salt water as the duration of its effects are still undefined.

The Bubble-head Charm is also an effective way of exploring the waters- fresh water and salt water. However proficiency in swimming is a must if you are to use this method.

Summoning Charms may also be used, though they are only effective on Marginal and Floating water plants.

Aqua Chomp

Aqua Chomp, Denta aqua or Aqua cum dentae, is mostly famous for the numerous Wizarding duels that have been fought over its official name. It is found all over the Mediterranean area and sometimes spills over into the Atlantic Ocean. It is found wherever seaweeds are found within the Mediterranean.

Appearance
Aqua Chomp is almost identical to any and all of the seaweeds which might be found in the Mediterranean. Its variable appearance is one of the reasons it is so prolific as it is almost as a chameleon in the waters. The only difference in appearance between Aqua Chomp and regular seaweed is the small line of purple dots along the edges of the leaves.

Cautions
The reason it is called Aqua Chomp (and has its Latin names of 'Water Teeth' or 'Water with Teeth') is that it can, and will, bite you. The small line of purple dots along the edges of the leaves expand into sizable teeth (1/2" - 3/4") and the leaves curl around you and bite quite hard.

It is rated 2, it is somewhat interesting but no uses have been found for it aside from the uses that seaweed can be put to.

Strangely enough, Aqua Chomp only bites those with active wizarding blood. It will not attack Muggles or Squibs.

Care Of
Very few persons have found Aqua Chomp interesting enough to attempt to cultivate this rampant plant out of its native territory. Those few persons have reported that it requires a salt water solution to live in; that it shrivels up and dies in fresh water. They recommend a temperature of that resembling the Mediterranean. Anything too cold (such as the waters of Northern climates) will, again, kill it quite dead.

Uses
Apart from the sport of luring another witch or wizard into a mass of seaweed and listening to them yell as they are bitten, there has been no known use that has been recognized for Aqua Chomp. (Some Squibs have been known to lure those of wizard blood into said tangles of seaweed in retaliation for injuries or insults they have suffered.)

It has been gathered for hundreds of years with other seaweeds for use as food, dyes and other uses that the seaweeds are regularly put to without anyone of non-wizard blood discovering that it is not your regular seaweed.

Blue Lace

Blue Lace is also known as Secret Potion and Bachelor's Downfall.

Appearance
Blue Lace grows upon the surface of the water in sheltered coves of the Mediterranean. It has a blue-green cast to its form, much like common algae, which it resembles. The identifying mark is the red and yellow flowers that bloom each full moon. These flowers are about the size of a Muggle matchstick head.

Cautions
Blue Lace is rated 4. A person is able to use this plant a maximum of three times. If used more than three times, an unsightly (and permanent) sprouting of purple fungus growth protrudes from the nose and ears.

Care Of
It is remarkably easy to grow Blue Lace. Simply obtain waters from any body of salt water, place it in a pan that is at least 6 inches deep and 12 inches across, and place a handful of freshly harvested Blue Lace within it. The Blue Lace will grow to fill the entire surface of the pan within two weeks.

Harvest all but a handful of Blue Lace when it is flowering. Dry it in a warm dark place on seasoned cedar boards. When it is totally dry, reduce to a powder and store in a dark-coloured, air-tight glass container.

Uses
Blue Lace has only one known magical use at this moment. Women (or men) can drink a tablespoon of this powder in a glass of water and for the next 24 hours will have an appearance of overwhelming beauty. It does not change the outward appearance at all; it is like a glamour is put on anyone who sees the person who has ingested the herb, that they perceive the drinker as overwhelmingly beautiful.

It has been used sometimes as a method of last resort by women who wish their beaus to 'come up to the mark' and propose, hence the alternative name of Bachelor's Downfall.

Brain Coral

Brain Coral is a deceptively complex plant with a host of magical properties. Brain Coral may be found worldwide, sizes and colours may vary. The average lifespan of the larger Brain Coral is about nine-hundred years of age.

Appearance
As the name suggests, this coral resembles a brain. Though generally Brain Coral may reach heights of up to two metres, smaller varieties may be found around the Caribbean. They are spherical in shape- and may be found in a variety of sizes and colour.

Cautions
Brain Coral should be approached with caution. While they are immensely interesting to look at, and are equally as useful, you do not want to get on its bad side. Within the grooves of the brain like convolutions are the Brain Corals tentacles which are usually released at night in order to hunt. The Brain Coral will use its tentacles to strangle its prey and anything that possess a threat to it. If faced with a Brain Coral attack, you should stun the plant, rather than sever it’s tentacles, otherwise it wont be too impressed. While Brain Coral haven’t been known to devour a human it has been known to snack on them. Its mouth can be found at its base where it meets the ground.

Care Of
This highly resourceful plant needs little to no maintenance. Being a hunter and gatherer it is more than capable of caring for itself. It thrives in salt-water but will adjust to fresh water if need be.

Uses
The main uses of Brain Coral include its uses in potions, it is sometimes used in wit-sharpening potions, and potions which aim to increase mental alertness. It may also be used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and the generally aging mind.

Colly Bugle

Colly Bugle is also known as Morning Bread.

Appearance
Colly Bugle grows to a length of about 1foot, in waters that are anywhere between 2 to 5 feet deep. It is easily identified by its strong resemblance to a loaf of French bread -- long, narrow and light brown in colour. While it has roots, they are of a very thin, fibrous nature and easily overlooked. There are no known plants that look anything like Colly Bugle.

Cautions
There are no cautions for this plant. It is rated a 3. It is a useful plant with no known dangerous qualities.

Care Of
Colly Bugle cannot be grown outside of the Mediterranean Sea. All attempts to do so have failed. If you live in that area though, you may grow it for personal use by creating artificial barriers in coves so that you may harvest it more easily.

Colly Bugle goes through its life cycle once a day. It starts as a spore that rapidly enlarges to the size and shape of a small loaf of bread, ripening about daybreak. After it ripens, it is quiet for about 2 hours, then starts swelling rapidly to the size of a large watermelon. Approximately 3 hours after sunrise, it will explode into thousands of spores with long thin roots. The spores then float downwards to fasten to the sea bed with their roots, starting the cycle all over again.

Uses
If harvested at daybreak, Colly Bugle is a most nutritious food. It contains almost everything that is required to maintain life in a body.

You may bake it in a warm oven for 20 minutes or eat it raw. The flavour of Colly Bugle has been compared to everything from fresh baked bread to regurgitated vomit. (It is suggested that you take the time to bake it in the oven.)

If harvested just before it explodes into thousands of spores, Colly Bugle can be used as a soap. Simply put it in a cauldron containing an equal mass of hot water and bring to a boil for one hour. The plant will separate into its component parts. The molecules combine with the water in such a way that the result is a large block of fine soap floating in the cauldron.

If you place a very fine net around the Colly Bugle while it is in the water, and let it explode, you can catch the spores. Use the spores as fertilizer after spreading them out in the warm sun to dry.

Fairy Lights

Fairy Lights is one of the most beloved plants of the Mediterranean. Oddly enough, it appears that Muggles do not even notice the beautiful lights that appear whenever the North Star appears and the plants respond with a multitude of twinkling little lights. It is found in all shallow (5 - 20 feet deep) waters of the Mediterranean.

Appearance
Fairy Lights is a small plant, looking like miniature air ferns. It grows in groups of 12 to 15 inches in diameter and about 2 inches thick. From a distance they look like flattish pancakes floating on the surface of the water. A greyish-green in colour during the day, they show a spectacular change when it is dusk or night and the North Star twinkles overhead. At that time they appear to be discs of scintillating lights, red, blue, green, gold, silver, white, purple and magenta. They will show this 'face' to the world as long as the sky is clear and the North Star can be seen.

Cautions
Fairy Lights is rated 1.While totally beautiful, there is no known use for Fairy Lights except to 'gaze upon it'.

Care Of
Fairy Lights cannot be grown out of the Mediterranean. Many attempts have been made to do so and so far no one has been successful.

Uses
Many wizards who provide travel services in the Mediterranean area promote night-time voyages of the coves and inner areas of the waters. They advertise their voyages as 'Romantic Tours' and many are the proposals that have been made after floating quietly through the Fairy Lights and their gorgeous night-time colours.

Wizarding families who live in an area close to the Mediterranean which has the Fairy Lights along the shoreline, also use the evening times as a kind of 'family get-together'. There is something very soothing and healing about watching the spectacle and those who are with familial difficulties often find them healed after a few hours of looking at Fairy Lights.

Gillyweed

Gillyweed is a magical plant native to the Mediterranean, it is a highly documented plant, though there are many debates surrounding the differences in the duration of the effects of gillyweed in fresh water and salt water conditions.

Appearance
Gillyweed resembles a woven bundle of slimy greenish-grey rat tails. A fresh specimen will have a deeper shade than a stale specimen. Also stale specimens tend to have translucent edges.

Cautions
Gillyweed is ranked 3, being useful with no dangerous qualities. But it is important to remember that whilst there are no known side effects of the uses of Gillyweed, caution should be taken went exploring the depths of fresh water and salt water.

Care Of
It is known to grow in salt water and fresh water without difficulty, also whilst it is native to the Mediterranean it has adapted well to a host of conditions. For larger healthier growths of Gillyweed, it is recommended that the water temperature be kept at a steady twenty-six degrees Celsius, or in a range of twenty to twenty-nine degrees Celsius.

Uses
It is a hardy multi-purpose plant. Aside from its primary use as a diving aid- when ingested it provides the witch or wizard with the ability to grow gills, and webs between the fingers and toes, allowing them to breathe underneath water for a length of time. In fresh water the effects of Gillyweed may last up to sixty minutes, however it is still unclear as to how long these effects last in salt water.

Gillyweed is also used as one of the main ingredients in the popular wizarding drink Gillywater. It is also used sparingly in some potions.

Pillowort

Pillowort (with the hotly contested alternate official name of Exsecratio frangeus) is also known as Teach You, and Sticky Fingers. It is a very rare plant, and only found in seabeds where the electric eels spawn their young. It is thought that the strength of its magical properties is directly derived from the proximity of the electric eels.

Appearance
Pillowort is a most innocuous looking plant. It grows on the bottom of the seabed in little blue fronds reaching from 2 to 6 inches high. The distinctive yellow dots along the edges of the fronds identify it; there is no other known water plant with that coloration or markings.

Cautions
There are no cautions for this plant. It is rated 1. It can be harvested at any time with no prior preparation. You must take care to avoid the electric eels, that is all.

Care Of
Pillowort is a most difficult plant to grow out of it's native environment. Attempts to grow it in a salt water environment have been semi-successful but it appears that there is a definite need for the presence of electric eels for its continued good health. With that in mind, you might try to grow it in a large tub, filled with salt water from the sea. Keep it in a shaded place, with no direct sunlight at all. Harvest when 5 to 6 inches high. Cut off the top 4 inches of growth. Spread in a thin layer on a flat glass dish (be sure to use glass and not any kind of metal) and dry in a dark, warm place. When dry, crumple up into small bits and store in a glass jar in a dark cool cupboard.

Note: Unless you provide the necessary electricity that the electric eels provide, the directions for care will prove to be useless as it won't grow.

Uses
Pillowort is one of the very most useful herbal powders to have in a witches or wizards bag of tricks. As its official name(s) proclaim, it breaks up magic.
Magicus frangeus -
magicus = something of magic
frangeus = to break, to rend asunder
Exsecratio frangeus -
Exsecratio = a word for curses or hexes
frangeus = to break, to rend asunder

(Indeed, if a person could discover a way to grow this plant in an artificial environment, and harvest and sell the herb, they would be rich. There have been many attempts to do this, but so far all are unsuccessful.)

The basic use of this herb is as a protective measure. Just one or two ounces of it, carried in a dragon-skin bag on a string around your neck, is sufficient to render most of the more innocuous curses and hexes asunder. They also are thought to break up the effects of the more potent curses and even perhaps the forbidden curses of Imperio, Avada Kedavra and Cruciatus.

Wizards have attempted to find out if it really does protect against Imperio and Cruciatus, but the experiments are non-conclusive, as it was proclaimed that "their heart wasn't in it". No one has wanted to see if it protects against the Avada Kedavra curse. Or if they did try it, no one was alive to report its success.

Pounce Stink

Pounce Stink is also known as DungPatch, PooPoo, Teacher's Pest, Stinky Poop. Although originally native to and located only in the Mediterranean, Pounce Stink can now be found world-wide.

Appearance
Pounce Stink grows upon the surface of the water and in the Mediterranean resembles a 8- to 10-foot mess of tangled hemp rope. The colour of the rope-like tendrils, both wet and dry, is dark purple. At the ends of the tendrils are clusters that appear roughly like clusters of grapes. These 'grape-like' fruit are red and/or yellow in colour.

Cautions
There are no known cautions for Pounce Stink (except the recommendation that anyone in contact with it know a good scouring charm). It is rated 2.

Care Of
Pounce Stink must be one of the easiest water plants to cultivate. It will grow in both sea and fresh water. Pounce Stink will accomodate itself to living in a very small bucket or spreading out upon a large pond, as well as growing vigorously in the colder Northern (and Southern) waters of the North and South Pole. Just provide water, it will do the rest. No one knows what it feeds upon; it has been noticed, though, that the more sunlight is available, the larger it will grow.

Be aware that if you grow it in a pond, or other place which contains fish, frogs, snakes or other water creatures, that they will devour it with great enthusiasm.

Prayer Flower

Prayer Flower is also known as Kedavra Nigra, Beautiful Sea Flower, Rainbow of the Night, Instant Death and Frothy Lace. Fortunately, it is only found where the waters of the Atlantic Ocean mingle with that of the Mediterranean, at depths of 20 to 50 feet. It is a very deadly omnivorous plant, which means it can feed on any flesh when available to it.

Appearance
Prayer Flower is one of the most outrageously beautiful plants ever found, either underwater or above ground. It ranges from 1 to 3 feet high and grows in colonies of 30 to 40 plants. The plant has tenuous roots that prefer to be shallowly rooted; it can be uprooted in a strong current (as in a storm) and swept along to another location where it can then reroot itself and colonize another patch of 30 to 40 plants.

The fragile appearing leaves appear on 4 to 5 main upright limbs and have a distinctly lacey appearance. The colours of this plant vary from the palest gold to the darkest plum (all the colours of the rainbow), and all colours will often be on the same plant. A colony of Prayer Flower is entrancing to behold.

Cautions
If you see this plant, get away from it as quickly as possible. Prayer Flower is rated 10, and the common name is given to it because of a warped sense of humour by a wizard who said you better say your prayers if you are swimming close to it, in case the current sweeps you into its range.

Care Of
It is not known if anyone has succeeded in growing Prayer Flower out of its native environment.

Uses
The most common use of Prayer Flower has been put to is its lethal effect. The colonies are so very gorgeous to behold that many wizards, witches and/or Muggles have strayed too close and expired. If a person is unaware of their danger and/or unaware of the identity of the plant, it is relatively easy for someone to tempt another to "go see this beautiful sea anemone" and say that they have to get really close in order to properly appreciate it.

All colonies of Prayer Flower have been mapped and are rendered unplottable. Muggle-Repelling charms have been put on all known locations. Unfortunately, due to the ability of Prayer Flower to recolonise, sometimes new colonies appear and are not spotted in time to prevent further deaths.

Stubby Purple Coral

Stubby Purple Coral is also known for its Latin name Coral Acropora Tenuis, as well as Spongy Sea Nettle. It is found mostly in the Atlantic Ocean, and particularly in the waters surrounding the East Coast of Australia, this area is known as the Great Barrier Reef, home to an abundant marine life. However over the years the number of and extent of the Stubby Purple Coral colonies has declined due to over exposure and excessive farming. It is now considered as an endangered species, finding it on the market is rare, and often illegal.

Appearance
Stubby Purple Coral grow in colonies up to twenty centimetres long, the main branch of coral being up to ten centimetres long. A healthy growth of Stubby Purple Coral is a vivid shade of purple, however if the specimen is aged or is ill, then it is usually a shade of murky brown or grey. Stubby Purple Coral grows horizontally not very much vertically and is as its name suggests... covered in stubby purple nodules.

Cautions
Stubby Purple Coral – or Coral Acropora Tenuis is rated 3, being useful with no dangerous qualities. It is important to remember that whilst the Stubby Purple Coral does not pose any danger itself, harvesting the rare coral is likely to land you in more trouble and danger than you would care for.

Care Of
It is still unknown, how to care for the Stubby Purple Coral. Herbologists from around the globe have yet to identify and agree on any particular method of care. One thing that they have been able to agree on however is that it should be protected and that harvesting the sea sponge should be banned until such times as it is no longer in danger of extinction- and even then measures should be put in place to preserve its abundance in the wild.

Uses
Coral Acropora Tenuis has a number of uses. It is first and foremost a primary ingredient in many magical stain removal serums- being one of the most effective in removing dragon blood stains. It may also be used in potions to increase the speed of the properties reactions. Stubby Purple Coral is also used medicinally, small portions in ones diet aids circulation and increases the metabolism, assisting in speedy recovers.

Tingle Weed

Tingle Weed is one of the lesser known magical plants of the Mediterranean. Part of the reason for this lack of recognition is that it is virtually invisible until it comes into contact with a human form. It is found in all parts of the Mediterranean, at a depth of 20 to 30 feet.

Appearance
Tingle Weed looks mostly like long green threads. It is very difficult to see because it has an apparently chameleon-like ability to blend in with its surroundings. It grows to between 2 and 3 feet long. When it comes into contact with a human form, however, it turns a bright scarlet pink and screams.

Cautions
Tingle Weed is rated 4 (useful but might have some unpleasant side effects). The unpleasant side effects are a particular numbness in the areas of the body it comes into contact with and body odour like that of a goat. The numbness lasts up to 4 days; the body odour lasts for up to 3 months.

Care Of
Tingle Weed has been found impossible to grow outside of its native habitat. There was a collective of witches who tried to grow it for a span of years but they gave up on it when outraged Muggles drove them away from the 'gardening site' (a cliffside group of dwellings along a deep channel of the Mediterranean) because they said they smelled too highly of goat.

Uses
For such a very unattractive, stringy-looking plant, Tingle Weed has the most varied number of uses of most of the plants in this volume.

If prepared properly, it creates a permanent and lustrous green dye. This dye does not need a mordant, nor does it require more than a minimum amount of patience to prepare. The dye will colour everything from woven clothes to wooden products and will even put a permanent colour on Muggle articles such as metals and plastics.

Tingle Weed is used for teething babies. It is an almost guaranteed cure for those aching gums when the child is first starting to show his or her teeth. Preparation is the simple boiling of Tingle Weed in a solution of borage water and Hinklespunk (see Hinklespunk below).

Tingle Weed is the only known remedy for Luxemsprat (a devastating disease wherein the sufferer develops bright red hair coming from the ears and nostrils). Chewing on Tingle Weed eliminates the Luxemsprat - even if it does render the mouth parts numb for four days and the person smells like a goat for up to 3 months.

Tingle Weed, if dried properly, can be woven into twine and rope which is virtually unbreakable. Sailors prefer Tingle Weed ropes to those of hemp, cotton or linen. If woven (and rendered magically impotent), it makes an absolutely stout cloth which is amazingly flexible but is also practically indestructible.

Victoria Amazonica

Victoria Amazonica is a species of flowering water plant, and is the largest of the Nymphaeaceae family of water lilies. Victoria Amazonica is also known as Victoria Regia. It is native to the shallow waters of the Amazon Basin.

Appearance
The large pan like leaves of the Victoria Amazonica may reach up to three metres in diameter and float on the waters’ surface. They have submerges stalks which average between seven and eight meters in length. Victoria Amazonica produce individual lily’s which average forty centimetres in diameter. These flowers are pollinated by beetles. On the first night, the flowers of the Victoria Amazonica are white in colour, on the second night they become pink.

Cautions
Victoria Amazonica is rated 4, it is useful but might have some unpleasant side effects. It has been noted that regular use of Victoria Amazonica results in physical disfigurement and incurable boils.

Care Of
This plant thrives in regions with low light and high humidity. It only grows in fresh water. Whilst it will grow in areas with high levels of sunlight it is best to treat it weekly with a few drops of mooncalf solution.

Uses
Victoria Amazonica possess magical properties which are known to increase ones beauty. Refreshing the skin, making it smoother and more youthful in appearance. De-frizzing and repairing hair, it is also used in colouring serums to cover up greys for prolonged periods of time. Used medicinally in some potions to aid in healing burns.

White Fleabane

White Fleabane is also known as Water Fleabane, Dogwood Dew and Sprouting Ivy. It can be found in all regions of the Mediterranean, but it is most common around the island of Crete.

Appearance
In the water, it is a vivid purple in colour. Taken out of the water, it turns a pale blue with scarlet spots. A small plant, about 12 inches long when fully mature, it has the appearance of a speckled egg with short hair coming out both ends.

Cautions
White Fleabane is rated 5, with the following recommendations if you are planning to use it. Wait until the dark of the moon, and gather only by scooping them up with silver bowls. Be sure that the bowl is sufficiently large to contain the whole plant and at least 3 inches of water between it and the surface of the water. Be very careful to make sure the plant stays purple the whole time while gathering and transporting it.

Warning: Do NOT apparate while transporting White Fleabane. It has been known to explode enroute.

Care Of
White Fleabane is not recommended for growing at home so we're not telling you how to take care of it.

Uses
White Fleabane is the only known cure for Noxious NeverWhen. The Healers at St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries value it highly for Noxious NeverWhen, as well as other assorted illnesses.

The effectiveness of White Fleabane was discovered when a wizard apparated in the hospital whilst carrying a specimen for the Healers to look at. It exploded and some of the ejecting pieces were still being hurled when he showed up on the 3rd floor.

A Healer suffering from Noxious NeverWhen was present and one of the exploding particles hit him. (Noxious NeverWhen is easily identified by the sufferer's 2 heads and fungal growth out the ears.) The extra head was immediately vanished and the fungal growth was reduced by half.

The pieces of the apparating wizard were gathered together in the hopes of being able to put him back together, as in the case of splinching, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

What is a toadstool?
Are toadstools merely resting spots for tired toads? Think again! Toadstools hold an important position in our wizarding world. We use them in everything from potions to prized potted planters, from the darkest draughts to decorative door-stoppers. If you look around you will be sure to find a toadstool or two lurking nearby.

What is a toadstool and how can you identify one of these hidden treasures? A toadstool can be defined as a poisonous mushroom. They are easily identified by their umbrella shaped cap and stem form. While they are usually easily spotted, a novice hunter should be wary and always carry a detailed toadstool encyclopaedia with them. This will help identify the differences between mundane mushrooms and terrific toadstools and give even the greenest of beginners a sense of confidence.

Keep in mind that ingesting toadstools is extremely dangerous and these fabulous fungi should be treated with the greatest respect. If you find yourself questioning whether or not what you have is a toadstool or mushroom, repeat the motto experts use in the field, "When in doubt, throw it out!" While they are not entirely excluded from edible potions, they are more commonly found being used in healing potions. They are also extremely popular in association with the Dark Arts. The enormous variety of toadstools available creates a vast field for uses.

Where does one begin to hunt for these tempting toadstools? Well look around. They prefer dark, damp, dank conditions. Perhaps wander around a bit of forest and look into the hidden nooks and crannies to find them lurking under fallen tree stumps. Toadstools come in a wide assortment of sizes and colours. They can range from a giant spotted orange Amanita to tiny dusty brown Morels. Everyone is sure to find a favourite among the many varieties.

Are they worth anything? Some varieties are common, others extremely rare. There is a market available for those eager entrepreneurs out there. Toadstools are always in demand. So whether you search for them to sell or search for your personal stock, keep in mind, the more you hunt the better your chances at finding those rare specimens hiding in the shadows.

Identifying Mushrooms

Before elaborating on the various aspects of toadstools, it is important to be familiar with mushrooms in general and to know how to identify and distinguish them.

Identifying mushrooms requires a basic understanding of their structure. Mushrooms are the fleshy bodies of fungi, so they usually consist of a stem and a top. Most mushrooms are gilled, meaning that you can find little ribs under their tops. Their spores are produced on these gills and fall from under the caps.

The standard method for the identification of mushrooms in the wizarding world, dates back to medieval times. This rather commonly used method consists of an examination of the mushroom's characteristics. Colour, odour, taste, the presence of juices upon breaking, bruising reactions, as well as habitat and season, are all characteristics that can help identify a mushroom's identity. It is to be noted however, that tasting and smelling mushrooms can carry important risks due to the danger of potential poisons and allergens!

Another method of identification relies on the spore print of a mushroom. When cutting off the cap and placing it gill-side-down overnight, a powdery print reflecting the shape of the gills is formed. The colour of the print can often be used to help classify and identify mushrooms. Spore print colours include white, brown, black, purple-brown, pink, yellow, and cream, and very rarely blue, green, or red.

Due to the extremely similar appearance of several different varieties of mushrooms, it is important to attentively consider all their characteristics. When hunting for mushrooms, it is essential to be well-informed on any potentially dangerous species that may resemble the mushroom being searched for. Never consume a mushroom that you cannot identify with certainty. When searching for different species of mushrooms at the same time, it is also wise to store them separately, in order to avoid the blending of their spores and toxins.

Obtaining Toadstools

There are three very common ways one should use to collect toadstools and mushrooms for potions, charms, food, or whatever other use one comes up with for toadstools. The three most common methods for obtain toadstools are collecting them in the wild, buying them from local shops such as the apothecary, and growing them yourself in your own garden.

Collecting them in the wild
The journey of obtaining toadstools can be quite treacherous at times, so it is best to go prepared for anything. To prepare for your journey, I would suggest a wand for performing spells such as lumos to see in the dark places you will have to tread to find the toadstools, some nice dragon hide boots to withstand any nasty thing you might have to walk through, and this wonderful text book to help distinguish between which type of toadstools and mushrooms you may be picking up. With these objects in hand, you are ready to begin searching in dark, damp places for those wonderful treasures known as toadstools.

Buying them from local shops
Another method would be to consider buying the toadstools from local shops around your neighbourhood or town. This is a viable option for those of us who don’t have time to go collecting in the wild, growing them ourselves, or who just need a specific toadstool right then for a specific purpose. Apothecaries are a great place to shop for toadstools since they contain so many interesting items that are used in potions and will usually give you a pretty fair deal on a toadstool or two.

Growing them yourself
This is perhaps the most rewarding method; however, to do this you must first have at least one of the toadstools on hand to plant into the garden. Once you have to toadstool in hand, you should find a spot around your yard that is shady and very cool. Plant the toadstool here and make sure to water it once a day, at the very least. Constantly check the toadstool patch every day to make sure the area is damp. If you are successful, within a few months you should have a nice looking toadstool patch.

Taming Toadstools

While it is incredibly important to treat these highly dangerous fungi with respect, it is also important to realise how they can be used in our daily lives without fear. Toadstools are commonly used as ingredients in many potions, ointments, and even a few delicacies. The world of the toadstool is a wonderful place to explore, as long as you know what you are looking for.

Toadstools have been added to potions for a very long time. Often associated with dark magic, they are slowly becoming more popular throughout the general wizarding world.

It may be tempting to try adding a toadstool or two into a recipe you just created, but be wary. These potent spores can carry a punch. It is best to use a diluted portion of toadstool in any potion that is to be ingested. Always make sure you can correctly identify the specific variety needed for your potions. You don't want to mistake a Plum Pharaoh with a Purple Popper. The difference in appearance may be subtle, but one will leave you the ruler of your roost and the other will leave you in little pieces.

The use of toadstools for healing is not a new practice. Some of the oldest healing potions in the world list toadstools as ingredients. Again it is important to know what variety you need, or will be handling. Take a stroll through the forest and see what is available in your local area. You will be sure to find something to help with your daily healing needs.

Some of the most inventive and most original delicacies include toadstools as ingredients. The wide selection of taste, colour and variety of toadstools available, make it an extremely attractive ingredient to add to the newest dishes. Some varieties are excruciatingly rare, and are among some of the most sought after ingredients for the rarest of dinners and desserts.

Market Endeavours

Sadly our wizarding world does have the occasional rotten apple who may sully the toadstool trade. There are several known black markets for toadstools, and while it may be tempting to try to purchase from one of these dealers, it may not pay off in the long run.

Remember that many varieties of toadstools are remarkably similar in appearance. It can be easy for a true swindler to make a relatively common plum Pharaoh look like the rarer Powdered Princess. Of course there are several things you can do to avoid being duped, should you decide that you cannot resist the bargain deals of the black market toadstool trade.

Appearance is of course important. You'll want to make sure there are no signs that the toadstool has been altered. You can generally do this with a bit of moisture. Since toadstools generally have a thick slick skin, any attempt to dye them a different colour does not absorb as well as it should. If you try the water test, a fake can be spotted by the colours running off the toadstool. You can also try tapping the toadstool and uttering a revealing charm. This will unmask most fakes in mere seconds. Shapes are also a big giveaway. The sickle shape of a Silver Sickle shouldn't be represented as a Waxy Wheel. This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many buyers don't even examine what they are purchasing.

You can also choose to avoid these questionable toadstool tradesmen by purchasing your toadstools through a reputable dealer. They will of course be able to show endorsement from the National Fungi Association. (NFA) These dealers can generally find you any toadstool you may be looking for, though at times you will pay seemingly exorbitant rates.

You can also network through friends, relatives and co-workers. Once you put out your wish list, these people know what you are looking for, and can be an extra source of information. It is also true that an extra set of eyes to help spot a toadstool you are hunting for, is never a bad thing.

Banshee Buttons

Banshee Buttons are one of the darkest and most poisonous toadstools in our wizarding world. These malicious little mushrooms are also among the smallest, but don't let their diminutive size fool you. Banshee Buttons are commonly found throughout the wizarding world. The Banshee Button is even honoured each year with its very own festival. "Bring on the Buttons" is held each April 13th in the quaint town of Fungus, Scotland. These little beauties are the star of the show and tempting treats, magical musicals and sorcery shows are all dedicated to this treacherous little toadstool.

Appearance
They are petite in size but you may be able to recognise them by their blackish purple caps and dark green stems.

Cautions
Banshee Buttons are rated 6, being useful but considered dangerous. Harvesting your own Banshee Buttons should be relatively easy but do make sure to use gardening gloves when harvesting, as the spores of the toadstools have been known to cause side effects such as rashes and boils. Although they may be used in the same potions many times, they have the tendency to react differently each time.

Care Of
They thrive in cool wet conditions, but have also been known to show up in a few tropical locations as well. They are also the only variety know to grow on the sides of flesh eating trees. They are one of the most flourishing varieties of toadstools around. This is partially due to the fact that they have an extremely rapid growth rate. Virtually popping up out of the ground over night!

Uses
Many dark arts potions, elixirs and formulas have this toadstool as a main ingredient. It is also frequently used to help add an additional flavour kick to Spider Cider.

Biting Toadstools

Appearance
Similar in appearance to the Leaping Toadstool, the Biting Toadstool can be differentiated by the size of its cap- which is considerably bigger than that of the Leaping Toadstools, and also the presence of large sharp teeth. These teeth protrude beneath the cap, often lashing out at and catching on anything within its reach. Biting Toadstools have slightly slimmer stems, which are white in colour and share the same reddish brown cap as the Leaping Toadstool.

Cautions
Biting Toadstools are rated 5, useful but use with caution. These little toadstools are mildly omnivorous, they are able to feed on flesh. But do not be alarmed, whilst they might have a nibble they do not have particularly large appetites and so they are not fatal to humans.

Care Of
Biting Toadstools prefer cool, damp and dark conditions, but will grow in almost any condition, with the exception of frosty climates. Their natural habitat is dark, dense forests, but they are easily adapted into greenhouse environments. With a little sprinkle of dragon dung fertiliser and regular watering and you will no doubt have a healthy growth of these feisty fungi.

Uses
Biting Toadstool fangs may be used in various potions.

Blaze Again Buttons

We will caution you now to always be on your toes around this toadstool. It is unpredictable at even the best of times. It ranks among the most dangerous toadstools in the world and was once even banned from use by Ministry of Magic officials.

Appearance
This Fiery red toadstool may seem like nothing more than a gorgeous eye catching mushroom but upon closer inspection you will find a fierce fungus. Aptly named after its unusual hue this toadstool is easily identified by its rich flame like colourings.

Cautions
The Blaze Again Button is also the only toadstool which spontaneously bursts into flame.

Care Of
The Blaze Again Button are rated 6, useful but considered dangerous. They can be an extremely tricky toadstool to track down. It may take quite a bit of hiking and digging before finding your first cache. This shouldn't discourage you though. They are terribly exciting to find in the wild. They prefer to grow in small groups and thrive in environments provided by rotting logs near swampy areas. They tend to hide away from light as much as possible, so you may have to actually break apart rotting stumps in order to find these little treasures.

Uses
These toadstools are one of the most popular in the world and are renowned for their use in fireworks. They create unique colourful patterns and no two explosions are ever identical. Interest in this toadstool has increased dramatically since the Ministry took it off the Officially Restricted From Use list. Just remember to always handle this particular toadstool with care and DO NOT store in any closed container.

Bulgarian Lily

In the deep jungles of the Amazon, there are many wonders to behold. One such example is the Bulgarian Lily, erroneously named as it is neither native to Bulgaria nor even remotely a lily. Instead, an aspiring researcher discovered it in the 1700's. He was a Bulgarian by birth and had the misfortune to be born with a massive astigmatism in his eyes. Thus, this toadstool seemed to him like the lilies he had at home.

Appearance
The Bulgarian Lily is mainly black but has white streaks that run down its cap. The cap itself is split into six petal-like shapes, the tips of which secrete sticky juices that attract insects and animals alike. Inside these secretions are microscopic seedlings that eventually escape their prison and fall to the ground to sprout a new batch of Bulgarian Lilies. The stalk is quite long, an adaption suited to the rampant undergrowth of the Amazon rainforest.

Cautions
The Bulgarian Lily is rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
This toadstool is most acclimated for wet climates and alkaline soil, it thrives in warm climates but does not do too well in sunlight, preferring to hide in the undergrowth of thick tropical rain forests.

Uses
What makes this toadstool so remarkable is that its sticky residue has the magical property to temporarily muffle the symptoms of ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder as the Muggles like to call it. Although this product is quite expensive, witches and wizards alike who are afflicted with ADHD are willing to fork over a pretty penny or two for the magical wonders of this toadstool. There are no known side effects.

One interesting note is that Henry the Hoodlum, in 1875, managed to create a facsimile of the Bulgarian Lily and sold the things in mass quantity to Muggle shops and pharmacies. The result was mind-boggling; his creation, to an effect, actually worked. In later investigation it was found that he had used the roots of the Bulgarian Lily, originally considered one of the more useless appendages of the toadstool, as the major ingredient in his concoction.

Camouflage Caps

Toadstools are commonly named after their appearance, and this toadstool is indeed a perfect match for its name.

Appearance
Camouflage Caps are petite toadstools speckled with green, cream and dark grey spots. No two camouflage patterns are ever identical, making this variety even more intriguing. These toadstools rarely reach more than a half an inch in height. The cap is no larger than a knut, and the stems are extremely thin and delicate.

Cautions
Camouflage Caps are rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
Camouflage Caps prefer to grow in hidden spaces. They are commonly found flourishing in dead tree stumps or in the rotting foliage on the forest floor. These often moist and dark places perfectly fit the Camouflage Cap's ideal growing environment. Take care when harvesting, as this type can easily be damaged by even the most gentle of touches.

Uses
This toadstool is known for its natural oils. It was once popular for witches and wizards to simply harvest the toadstool and rub the cap directly to their skin, hair or nails. They are now more commonly added as ingredients commonly used in enchanting shampoos and magical moisturizers. The toadstool itself will not feel oily until the skin is crushed, so if you are uncertain of the identity of a found toadstool, you can try crushing it in your palm. If it secretes and oily sour smelling liquid you have indeed found yourself a Camouflage Cap.

Caramel Creepers

It is found only in the caves of mountain Trolls and is likely to be spotted strolling about the ceiling of the cave in search of moisture. Yes, that is correct, strolling. These toadstools are mobile! They move at a glacial pace, but do manage to cover quite a bit of ground over the course of their lifetime. This toadstool is one of the most recently discovered, having only just been classified in the early 1960's. It is mentioned in older manuscripts, but only vaguely as most witches and wizards aren't willing to wander into the den of a giant mountain troll even in the name of scientific research.

Appearance
They do look incredibly like a charmed piece of caramel candy slowly creeping across the surface of the caves in which they thrive.

Cautions
Since this toadstool is fairly new to the research field, it is still considered unstable and should be used in potions on a limited basis.

Care Of
It is unlikely to find a sole specimen and tend to flourish when left to grow in large colonies. When one wants to obtain the precious properties this toadstool emits, they need harvest the oily residue found on the underside of the cap. When harvesting this golden liquid, simply use the tip of your wand and carefully coax the liquid into a glass vial. When sealed with bees wax, they liquid seems to become stable and preserved. It has been stored for 20 years with success.

Uses
The residue found on the underside of the Caramel Creeper’s cap can be used in a number of potions as a thickening agent, and is also favoured in unctions. It is also used to aid the ingestion of certain medications, coating them in the golden liquid helps them slide down the throat- this is particularly useful for administering medication to ill children or animals.

Christmas Carol

There is a toadstool, fairly unknown due to a circumstance that will be further explained, that hides away in a very specific crag of mountain in the Himalayas. It only grows during the winter months of the year and then stays alive just long enough to throw its seed to the ground directly near it, in the hopes that one day another toadstool will grow in its place. With this assurance, the toadstool promptly expires.

Appearance
The Christmas Carol is still revered by some Himalayan cultures as a gift from an angel. It has a special burning capacity, enabling fires to survive up to 3 days without additional fuel. The secret lies in its complex anatomy. It may grow up to 6 inches in height and may reach a robust 10 inches in diameter. It sports a very unusual colour combination. The stalk is coloured a bright fire engine red, complemented by stripes of varying thickness in bright mint green. It is thought that these two colours are used to ward off potential dangers such as the common mountain lion or the rarer Yeti.

Cautions
The Christmas Carol is rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
This toadstool, despite common sense, does not need as much nutrients as other toadstools of similar size and shape. This is due to the fact that most of its stalk is just air. The inflated volume of the toadstool allows for greater heat carrying capacity and acts as a shield against the harsh weather of the mountains. Its skin is made of a sticky leather-like material that resembles wax. It is this wax that can keep a fire burning for days on end and is an additional barrier against the cold. It only blooms during the week of the birth of Christ.

Uses
Often used in the manufacturing of wizarding sweets and beverages. The price range of such a toadstool varies, but its cost is usually between 10 galleons a pound to a whopping 100 galleons a pound for a certain gourmet variety. The taste is said to very minty, like peppermint candy, and leaves a sweet aftertaste in the mouth.

Cleopatra’s Caps

These delicate little toadstools are among the smallest, but don't let their diminutive size fool you. They are quite potent and are very sought after.

Appearance
The toadstool itself measures in at around 3 inches tall at the largest and the cap at about 2 inches in diameter. They have brilliant white stems and cream coloured caps covered with what look like brush strokes of an inky powdery blue. It is believed these toadstools were named after the eye shadow Queen Cleopatra of Egypt favoured. No two caps have ever been found with identical markings which just add to the charm of this little fungi.

Cautions
Cleopatra’s Caps are rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
This toadstool prefers mild but dark environments. They will not tolerate extreme heat or cold, so be sure to regulate your thermostat in your greenhouse should you decided to try your hand at growing these royal little wonders. Remember to always start your colony with more than one specimen. They do not like to be alone and you will have a hard time keeping a lonely toadstool of this variety surviving for long.

Uses
They have been harvested for centuries for use in love potions, beautification charms and of course magical makeup products. It is believed the blue found on the caps can act as an enchanting agent when worn by a witch.

Divining Dumpleworth

Its usage goes far back into the medieval ages, where witches and warlocks alike used this toadstool for its magical property of increasing happiness and energy levels in the eater. There was also this strange side effect of inducing the consumer to fits of hysteria, where he or she would babble on about the a terrible and dark future event to come…and the others were astounded to find that all the supposed nonsense from those afflicted came true.

These aptly named Divining Dumpleworths were, in fact, discovered by a rather decrepit old warlock by the name of Dumpleworth Jones. An outcast of his day, Jones would spend hours upon hours in his study, dissecting various beasts and critters he’d find in the wilderness. These practices, of course, were extremely looked down upon and so his outings into the nearby forests became more infrequent as the years went on. However, on a rare trip outside his dingy study, he stumbled upon these toadstools.

Appearance
Besides the green and blue striped marking on the top, this toadstool is also identified by its characteristic swirl shaped pattern on the underside of the cap. The shininess of the stalk is due to the secretions of oil from the toadstool, making it extremely difficult to harvest.

Cautions
Divining Dumpleworths are rated 7, somewhat useful but are considered to be highly dangerous. They have not been widely used for medicinal purposes, as the bouts of ensuing hysteria might be grounds for suing.

Care Of
The correct method of harvesting is to grasp the top of the cap with metal tongs and wrench it off its platform. One does not have to worry about harming the toadstool, as these are extremely hardy and prefer to be ripped off a surface rather than lose a cap.

Uses
These toadstools are used in energy drinks and teas. However, the Divining Dumpleworths are in fact a rare breed of toadstools and the cost of an individual species soars at around two hundred to three hundred galleons.

Elvin Army

These tiny little toadstools pack themselves together in massive groups. The closer they are to one another, the more they seem to flourish. It can be found throughout the world, and will sometimes be referred to as The Elvin Army, when growing in huge clusters. This toadstool is known by several different names, the Enamelled Elf, the Eva, and of course the Elvin Army.

Appearance
This toadstool derives its name from the shape of its cap. This cap has a rounded top and two points on each side. When viewed from a distance the toadstools look like tiny elves heads massed together. It can be easily recognized by its distinctive cap and the brilliant colours of coral, turquoise and plum that decorate the cap and stem. At times it may appear these caps have been hand painted, which is why some witches once believed they were enamelled by Mother Nature herself.

Cautions
Though these little toadstools are incredibly useful, they are poisonous and with the right quantity can be lethal. Elvin Army toadstools are rated 5, useful but use with caution.

Care Of
This Toadstool grows in a variety of temperatures and is fairly easy to grow in greenhouses. It should be on the top of any beginners growing list, as it matures pretty quickly and can be harvested throughout the year.

Uses
These toadstools have been used in a variety of potions for years, but have recently gained popularity once more. It seems when brewed at just the right temperature these toadstools can add a touch of super strength, enabling a witch or wizard to make stronger, longer lasting potions.

Flaming Buffalo Toadstool

Appearance
An unlikely threat, this toadstool is pin-shaped in size. Equipped with a fail-proof means for camouflage, the Flaming Buffalo Toadstool is indeed practically invisible. When visible, as it can be found during the night, the cap is a pale tan to a dark brown in colour depending upon drought conditions. The stalk is extremely thin but very short; its roots are minuscule and reside at the surface. However it has this unique property to instantly retract these roots and then fall over. This curious behaviour can be explained by the proceeding events. Once it has fallen over, the toadstool bursts into an instantaneous flame fuelled by various chemical reactions within the stalk and the cap.

Cautions
During the summer seasons, the Flaming Buffalo Toadstool is one of the main reasons why the prairies catch on fire. Muggles explain away this phenomenon by the so-called heat and susceptibility of the native plants but in truth it is this small pin of a toadstool responsible for annual wildfire. The flaming Buffalo Toadstool is rated 2, somewhat interesting. They pose no immediate danger and have no known useful properties.

Care Of
The Flaming Buffalo Toadstool reproduces each year during these burning seasons. Millions of microscopic spores are thrown into the air and are flame resistant, allowing them to float unharmed for hours. These spores are extremely attracted to buffalo fur and, if given a choice, would manipulate itself towards a poor buffalo. These hairy beasts then roam into the plains, the ideal environment for this toadstool. Herbologists have not been successful in cultivating these toadstools outside of their natural environment.

Uses
As of now, there is no market value for these toadstools, seeing as they are nearly impossible to find and even more difficult to cultivate once taken out of their biomes.

Fuzzigzaged Fungus

The Fuzzigzaged Fungus is a surprisingly common toadstool. It is found all over in Europe and North America. It was and still is used for driving out Jarvey infestations in magical gardens, since they hate its fruity scent. Fuzzigzaged Fungus is not poisonous, but it is not recommended that one eat some, as it is reputed to have a remarkably bitter taste.

Appearance
Fuzzigzaged fungus gets its name from its zigzagged pattern. Its texture alternates from smooth to fuzzy. The smooth part is always white. However, the fuzzy stripes change from light blue to dark green as the plant matures. This process takes about 7 years to complete, and since they are hardy plants, this toadstool almost always reaches full growth. At this point, the fungus has grown from a flat splotch to a perfectly cylindrical pillar about a foot tall. Once it has reached full growth, the plant can live for up to 20 more years.

Cautions
Fuzzigzaged Fungi are rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
Fuzzigzaged fungus can be grown either indoors or out. Fuzzigzagged fungus can be bought in seed form, partially matured, or fully grown from most magical arbores. It is recommended that one buys a seed or partially matured plant. The seeds are easy to cultivate, and you are guaranteed the full life of a plant. If you buy a partially-grown toadstool, it is easy to see what stage of growth it is at, so you make sure you are getting the best deal for your money. Buying a full grown plant is not recommended. A freshly matured plant and a one-day-away-from-twenty plant will look the same, and you could end up paying for a plant that will only last one day.

Uses
They are known for their uses indoors as well as out. Outside, it keeps the Jarveys away, and two mature plants are often found on either side of a doorway as an attractive yet functional decoration. Inside, plants are often kept near bathrooms, so their fruit-like scent can disguise other odours.

Heliotropic Bergomot

The Galapagos Islands harbours a great deal of rare breeds of animals and so it is not surprise that there are rare breeds of toadstool as well. Originating in the coral reef that surrounds one of these islands, an almost translucent toadstool grows upon plankton and other small creatures. It is very sneaky and depends on stealth, as well as a healthy dose of luck, to capture its prey. This toadstool, once discovered, was dubbed the Heliotropic Bergomot and promptly forgotten.

Appearance
A pearly-white cap covers a long translucent stem. The stem is very flexible, allowing for this toadstool to move freely with the sea currents. Under the cap, there are several small tentacles that are used to capture prey that swim into its reach.

Cautions
The Heliptropic Bergomot is rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities... unless you’re plankton.

Care Of
These prey consist of plankton, diadems, and the elusive magical sea tick. Upon consuming a large meal, the Heliotropic Bergomot will enter a hibernation phase and, when “awoken” will release millions of tiny spores. These spores will burrow into living flesh and lie dormant until certain variations in the seawater, whether temperature or pressure, signal for it to start growing. Its host will then experience a strange tickling sensation as the spore falls out of its body.

Uses
Only recently has the worth of this previously unknown toadstool grown exponentially, for it was also found that the Heliotropic Bergomot has unparalleled regenerative properties on the cells found in the brain and in the spinal cord. However, in 2002 scientists began to send teams to harvest them in mass quantities. Apparently the natives already knew about the curative properties of the Heliotropic Bergomot and wanted to protect the ‘secret’. Well, the secret is out and the survival of a rare species is at stake.

Holey Hamlet

This toadstool is among the most poisonous and it comes with a few surprises inside! It isn't named after the tale from famous muggle writer Shakespeare, no this fungi is home to a worm called the Wisest Wiggler. A deep dark burgundy coloured worm that is known to possess temporary wisdom enhancement if consumed by wizards and witches.

Appearance
Most Holey Hamlets play host to at least ten of these tiny worms. These guests eat tunnels throughout the stem and cap. Creating the holey appearance this toadstool is famous for. The toadstool itself can reach heights of 2 feet tall and up to two feet wide.

Cautions
The Holey Hamlet is rated 8, somewhat useful but could kill you if you’re not careful. As previously mentioned this toadstool is incredibly poisonous and no part of it should ever be ingested. Even when diluted this toadstool can be fatal.

Care Of
If you try to grow them in greenhouses, make sure to completely block out all light and keep the soil moist. They seem to thrive in environments which mimic their natural environment, or what are commonly referred to as black forests. This toadstool is known to grow only in the darkest parts of the forest. They prefer to stick close to enchanted forests, but have been known to migrate into muggle forests if enchanted areas become too dry.

Uses
This toadstool is quite popular and sought after by companies that develop memory potions, intelligence powders and of course Focusing Draughts. Not for the toadstool itself, but rather for the company of the toadstool. Yes, that is correct, The Wisest Wiggler. The toadstool itself is of no use in potions, but the worms are quite valuable and useful. Indeed one cannot survive without the other and so the toadstool is equally valuable to the knowing witches and wizards who know what to look for.

Leaping Toadstools

Originally native to Great Britain, these feisty little toadstools can now be found worldwide.

Appearance
The average Leaping Toadstool may grow between three and four inches in height. They are often noticed for their robust and rounded stem, which is necessary for them to keep their balance whilst leaping. Don’t be fooled, while they are one of the smaller varieties of toadstools they do pack a punch if you happen to be too close to it when it decides to go leaping. The cap is a vibrant shade of reddish brown and is disproportionate to the stem of the toadstool- the stem being larger.

Cautions
Leaping Toadstools are rated 2, somewhat interesting.

Care Of
First and foremost it is important when growing Leaping Toadstools to provide them with enough space to move about. These feisty toadstools do not appreciate cramped spaces. They grow best when they are provided with ample room, ample sunlight and moisture. And believe me if it’s not provided for them then they will go in search of it themselves. They acquire all their nutrients from decaying foliage and rotting tree stumps, but they do well with an occasional sprinkling of dragon dung fertiliser- if you can catch them. Leaping Toadstools are happy to grow in and amongst other plants whether they are in greenhouses, in gardens or in forests.

Uses
Leaping Toadstool juice is sometimes used in energy drinks, providing witches and wizards the energy they require to leap through their day.

Mermaids Tail

Said to be one of the more beautiful type of toadstool in existence, the Mermaid’s Tail lives up to its legend. Myth and rumour has it that there was a lovely merprincess who lived under the sea in a golden palace that filled the sea with light. Every day a band of merpirates would sail by in a decrepit algae ridden seven-mast ship and then her merpeople would hide in their coral houses in fear. But she alone would rejoice, as her lover, the most handsome of the lot, would stop and give her the trophies of his latest conquests. One day he gave her a beautiful sea flower to represent their love. But unfortunately, he perished in a fight later that very day. The princess, wrought with grief, went to a sorceress to find a way to heal her pain. However, the sorceress had been secretly jealous of the princess’s love and thus took advantage of this opportunity, transforming the princess into a toadstool. Yet the princess’s beauty remained immortalized and to this day, marine biologists are amazed at the beauty of such a thing.

Appearance
The Mermaid’s Tail is an aquamarine blue. It has an unusually long stalk ribbed with opaque stripes that are able to reflect underwater light. The fringes of its cap are nearly translucent and if one looks closely, one would be able to see light blue coloured filaments within. The cap itself is disproportionately large. Many small sea creatures have been known to find shelter underneath the Mermaid Tail’s cap.

Cautions
Mermaids Tail is rated 2, somewhat interesting.

Care Of
This toadstool grows wherever the sunlight hits the sand, preferable near coral and other sources of marine life.

Uses
There is no official medicinal use of this toadstool. There has been a theory that it has the magical property of alleviating broken hearts. This has yet to be proven. In coastal cultures, Muggles unknowing consume thousands of pounds of this toadstool as part of their normal diet. The taste is slightly salty with a hint of a sweet papaya aftertaste. Relatively easy to come by, the price of the Mermaid’s Tail is extremely affordable.

Needlefig Nail

It gets its strange name from the wizard that created this particular toadstool. That wizard was the great Artemis Needlefig. At least, he claims to have created it. Many in our Wizarding community doubt this to be true, and many assume he merely discovered this toadstool, and then tried to make others believe he created it. Artemis was a great Herbologist in the fifteenth century, but there is little or no evidence proving his claims.

Appearance
This stylish toadstool grows to a height between five to eight inches tall. They are extremely thin mushrooms with little or no cap. They are a dark rusty brown colour and really do mimic the resemblance of a rusty nail.

Cautions
The Needlefig Nail is rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
They grow in tightly packed colonies and can most often be found growing up the north side of enormous trees. These toadstools flourish in the cool shady spaces provided by the larger varieties of trees in the forest. They have been known to be found growing on some buildings, but seem to prefer staying closer to wooded areas.

Uses
Many wizards have used these toadstools to regain their bearings when lost in the woods. They are an easy and effective way to point yourself north again, should you become confused in the forest. The Needlefig Nail is commonly used in potions for increasing strength. A number of healing potions use it as an ingredient to aid wellness and recently this toadstool has also been making the rounds on the quidditch field. The teams' leading trainers have begun to recognise its effectiveness in potions, which can minimize pain in minor injuries.

Peppermint Striped Parasol

It is also commonly known as the pixie parasol. Pixies are often found resting on or under these strange umbrella shaped wonders. They are the perfect size for pixies to perch upon, but they also have a welcoming and invigorating aroma of peppermint which the pixies find enchanting. It is thought that this variety of Toadstools get some of their magical properties from the pixies themselves.

Appearance
One of the easiest of all toadstools to identify, it is also becoming increasingly rare due to over harvesting. Easily recognized by its distinctive red and white umbrella striped body, black stem and fragrant peppermint aroma.

Cautions
Peppermint Striped Parasol’s are rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities. Although any witch or wizard who desires to harvest one of the Peppermint Striped Parasols, will have to first distract or stun the pixies. This may be more difficult than you think as the pixies consider themselves the caretakers of these toadstools.

Care Of
This variety will only be found growing in enchanted forests. Usually resting in the shade of giant elms, or Monkey-tail trees. They thrive in moist and soil rich areas. Recent Ministry attempts to grow these delicate fungi in greenhouses has ended in constant failure. Although, they have found some success when inviting the pixies to live in the greenhouses amongst the toadstools. The trick there is to convince the pixies that we are trying to help the toadstools, rather than tricking them.

Uses
The Peppermint Striped Parasol is one of the main ingredients in "Magic Minty Melts" the infamous enchanting love candy. As demand for these candies has sky rocketed, the prices paid for the toadstools themselves have gone through the roof, making these one of the most sought after toadstools around. If a solution to the growing issue doesn't arise soon, these toadstools may be placed on the magically endangered list. A sad fate for such a truly beautiful toadstool.

Pixie Platters

Among the sweetest looking toadstools is the Pixie Platter, this variety is also known as the "Pancake Toadstool" and the "Lazy Mans Perch".

Appearance
This toadstool is aptly named for its large plate shaped appearance. Certain toadstools have been known to grow up to a whopping 15 inches in diameter, though more commonly they reach an average diameter of around 10 inches. Being indiscreetly disc shaped makes them among the easiest to locate on the forest floor. The toadstool has a golden brown appearance which clearly resembles a delicious pancake fresh off the griddle.

Cautions
However sweet this toadstool may appear it is no sugary salad additive. The Pixie Platter is rated 4, it is useful but might have some unpleasant side effects. Its poisonous spores have been known to cause respiratory defects and prolonged illness, with the occasional bout of gangrene.

Care Of
Pixie Platters are known to grow only in the northern hemispheres. Preferring to grow in cool and somewhat drier regions, perhaps they do not like the extra rain collecting on their massive platforms. This is one variety that actually grows quite readily in greenhouses. If you are looking for a toadstool to take on as a gardening project, this would be the one, as long as you can maintain a cool and dry environment.

Uses
It is one of the best ingredients available for use in Binding spells and potions. New research now shows it can prove to be effective in slowing the signs of aging on the skin. Many magical Apothecaries are now stocking these toadstools on a regular basis. Therefore it is currently enjoying a sudden surge in its popularity with witches and their home care remedies. Remember when using any toadstool, be sure to dilute the dose when using them in any topical or digestive spell or potion.

Plum Pharaoh

This is one of the easiest varieties to grow, and so it makes an excellent starting point for any fledgling fungi student.

Appearance
They are easy to recognize with their distinct plum colouring and navy blue stems. You may have to push a few apart in order to catch a glimpse of the stems, since they prefer to grow in tightly knit bunches. You'll want to be sure they are not purple poppers which are a slightly darker colour and have a rusty salmon coloured stem.

Cautions
Plum Pharaohs are rated 4, useful but might have some unpleasant side effects. It should be noted that we highly recommend wearing gloves while handling these toadstools. The spores give off some kind of toxin which will make anyone who handles this specimen incredibly paranoid.

Care Of
Plum Pharaohs thrive in damp cool environments, but are quite hardy and can maintain themselves in drier and milder climates, though they would prefer to be watered more than occasionally.

Uses
This variety was originally developed for use in dyes for royalty. Some specimens are still used for such purposes, but they have also begun to be used more commonly in magical makeup products. The deep plum colour is quite popular as a lip colour among younger witches. Older potion books have this ingredient listed in potions for becoming the "king of your castle". Apparently a side effect of consuming them is becoming compliant, so if you were to serve a beverage spiked with this potion to your family, they would go out of their way to please you! These recipes soon became "lost" as many were afraid of the potions being used against themselves in their own households. So it is rare to actually see a family potion book with those potion recipes still intact, but you can find them occasionally in antique stores or ancient libraries.

Powdered Princess

This toadstool derives its name from the shape of its cap and a special hidden surprise waiting inside.

Appearance
The Powdered Princess is one of the largest types of toadstools. It can grow up to two feet tall and as wide as three feet around. This is one of the more recognizable toadstools as the shape of the cap is actually a crown. Yes, that is right, it is shaped just like a crown a king, queen or even a "princess" might wear.

Cautions
Powdered Princess is rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
Harvesting the Powdered Princess might be a bit more work than you expect. The stems can get quite tough especially on the larger sized toadstools. Just be sure to bring your wand or another set of hands to help you pry this treasure from the earth. This toadstool is usually found growing in either shades of pale pink or lavender. Though it is becoming rare to find these unless they are grown in specialty greenhouses, or hidden away in the deepest parts of enchanted forests. They favour dark damp though relatively warm conditions.

Uses
The other half of the name is from the powder which is hidden inside the toadstool. To harvest this extremely useful powder you have to gently remove the cap from the stem and there between the two layers will be the very precious powder. This powder can be used in many ways, but the most popular usage is for fabric dyes. This powder creates some of the most brilliant shades of purple and pinks in the world. The dye also holds a bit of protective energy. Many wizarding robes and quidditch robes are made with dyes using this very powder

Russian Ragtag

In the cold, unforgiving Northern terrain of the Asian continent there lies, dormant in the snow, a type of fungi so rare and delectable that Muggles and magical folk alike have come into deadly conflict ever since its discovery in the late tenth century. This delicacy, dubbed the Russian Ragtag, is a curious piece of work. It is extremely hard to find and can be sold into certain hands for over one thousand galleons a pound. There have been no dangerous side effects reported and it remains one of the most prized fungi in history.

Appearance
Its narrow stalk, usually ranging from five to seven inches long, and the characteristic teal stripes that make this fungus look like the Muggle candy cane, can identify the Russian Ragtag. The fungus is mostly pure white in colour and sports a narrow, thimble-sized cap. The colour of the cap matches the fungus’s surroundings, giving it a natural camouflage to hide it from magical animals like the Herbridius Hedgehog.

Cautions
Russian Ragtag is rated 4, useful but may have some unpleasant side effects. Because of the nature of this toadstool it should be used very sparingly.

Care Of
The Russian Ragtags roots give this fungus its name. Its roots spread in a random pattern in a twenty-foot wide circle; the entirety of its root system can be graphed into a triangle shaped pattern. But what makes this fungus truly unique is that the roots have this ripped quality to them that causes them to expand in moisture and harden during drought. The roots are hidden deep underground and feed the toadstool its nutrients from the energy of the Earth.

Uses
The Russian Ragtag is known for its taste, and is used in high end cuisine. Though it also has a more practical use, the Russian Ragtag is known to create a very powerful and elusive colour changing potion. Like the Shimmer Shroom and the Disillusionment Charm the Russian Ragtag has the ability to provide those who ingest it with the ability to blend in with their environment, like a chameleon. In the late sixteenth century a wizard whom we now know as Godfrey the Gregarious used too much of this potent toadstool in his colour changing potion. As a result of this blunder, Godfrey went unseen for no less than five years, camouflaged with his surroundings. Despite this, Godfrey decided to test the effects of the Russian Ragtag a second time, vanishing from sight for a further four years.

Scalloped Shingle

Appearance
The Scalloped Shingle grows in large clusters and looks like segments of a roof stuck to the sides of rotting trees. These toadstool lack the conventional stems and grow straight from the tip of the shingle to the surface they attach themselves to. These shingles are usually found in shades of beige or creamy white. They grow in large clusters and usually remain in the same areas for long periods of time, so when you find a group, you should be able to use that area for many harvests.

Cautions
Scalloped Shingles are rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
Scalloped Shingles are rarely found growing on the forest floor. They prefer to grow on rotting trees, up the sides of living trees or even occasionally on older fence posts. This may be because trees offer a different source of nutrients than dirt or ground cover would. These toadstools prefer darker wet forests. They grow abundantly in the Black Forest region of Germany and can be quite readily found growing throughout parts of Ireland and Scotland. There has been some limited success when grown in greenhouses set up as dark versions of rain forests. Although humidity doesn't seem to agree with these toadstools, so keep a close eye on the thermometer. Anything over 18 degrees Celsius, will greatly impede their growth capabilities.

Uses
Scalloped Shingles are widely used to make enchanted glues. Glue made from these toadstools is especially known for its incredibly long lasting durability. Using the glue to bind precious and valued books has been in practice for centuries.

Scrimgeour Fiend

Now before you say anything, the unfortunate name this toadstool was given is in no way a reference to the late Prime Minister of the Ministry of Magic. In fact, the origins of this toadstool’s name are traced back to Romanian and Transylvanian regions, whereupon the translation was modified until it ended up in European hands. Thus the Scrimgeour Fiend was found. Its native peoples protect the Scrimgeour Fiend quite vigorously. It was by an unfortunate trade agreement that the Transylvanians were forced to hand over the toadstool for monetary trinkets.

Appearance
It is a light lilac in colour with a scarlet red stalk to warn potential predators. It is short and stout with a large cap, sometimes reaching twenty inches in circumference. From afar, this toadstool is easily identifiable but of course, the Romanian and Transylvanian woodlands do not offer much danger to this creature. Yes, creature I say.

Cautions
The Scrimgeour Fiend is rated 9, possessing no useful qualities and is dangerous to be in proximity with. It has been known to be fatal, so constant vigilance in the presence of these fungi is a must.

Care Of
The Scrimgeour Fiend is found usually in a bright sunny spot, growing off the exposed roots of dead trees. The Scrimgeour Fiend is unique in the way in which it breeds. First it lies in wait under the cover of darkness for some warm-blooded animal to stumble into it. Then it flashes a bright red colour. Entranced, the animal will get closer to it and that’s when the Fiend makes it attack. Right then and there it releases a spray of poisonous gas, which devours the animal right down to the bone. The slush is then absorbed by the roots of the toadstool, which then uses the energy to create egg like structures under its cap. The eggs grow and then, when they reach maturity, explode, releasing thousands of tiny spores.

Fiendish indeed. Due to the inherent danger of approaching this toadstool, it is usually left alone by the inhabitants. Once the Europeans realized the deadly trap, a man by the name of Ron Scrimgeour took upon himself the duty of eradicating every single “little fiend” he could find in Europe.

Uses
The Scrimgeour Fiend is known to have been used for protection of land and property, making it dangerous for trespassers and thieves. Aside from this there are no known uses of the feisty fungus.

Silver Sickles

It is commonly referred to as the silver spike, but its actual name is the Silver Sickle.

Appearance
Named for its crescent shaped cap (resembling the agricultural tool known as the sickle), the cap also hides a bit of a surprise, it is razor sharp. Ranging from dull oxidized silver tones to glistening silver mimicking the finest sterling silver found.

Cautions
The Silver Sickle is rated 5, useful but use with caution. This toadstool uses this razor sharp cap to protect itself from fungi hungry predators. Remember when using this toadstool, that once the cap is removed from the stem it should be used within 13 hours, or the cap will become unstable and could result in a dangerous explosion.

Care Of
The Silver Sickle usually prefers to grow in open areas like meadows, along the banks of rivers or on the edges of rivers and lakes. You will also commonly find them near low ground covering brush which may offer a bit of shade, and a bit of a break from the elements. These toadstools do not grow well in severely cold climates or overly wet conditions. Even controlled greenhouse growth studies in locations like England and Scotland have not ended in outstanding populations. It seems these toadstools are affected by the outdoor weather, even when grown indoors.

The best way to harvest Silver Sickles is to use a simple field sickle with a basket placed below the toadstool. Lop off the cap and it should fall easily into your awaiting basket. The caps are the portion you'll want, as the stems are not good for much except mulch for your garden gnomes.

Uses
When diluted the toadstools make an excellent magical growth regulator, working to either increase or decrease your desired item to the size you calculate your potions for.

Shaggy Sapphire

It may sound like a strange jewel, and in a way, that is exactly what it is! This treasure however, is for stashing away in your potions cupboard, and not to be worn as a pendant. Though I am sure there are wizards out there that do. The Shaggy Sapphire is only known to grow in one part of the world. Australia. These toadstools thrive in the land "down under".

Appearance
The Shaggy Sapphire is a very striking shade of blue and its cap is entirely covered with hair like fibres. These fibres trap moisture and nutrients for these enchanting little wonders. This toadstool grows to between 7 to 8 inches tall. They are somewhat easy to spot if walking in open fields.

Cautions
The Shaggy Sapphire is rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities. Though having said that the Shaggy Sapphire is home to the interesting insect known as the Billywig. That means you should take extra care when harvesting Shaggy Sapphires, as Billywigs are known to cause the victims of their stings to hover uncontrollably. These little insects can usually be found nesting upside down under the cap.

Care Of
Unlike most varieties of toadstool, the Shaggy Sapphire is unique in that it does not require a lot of moisture to grow. Even in the warmest and driest of climates and conditions, these little gems will practically blossom. However they do benefit with a light water from time to time.

Uses
The Shaggy Sapphire is used in a variety of potions, elixirs and draughts. This toadstool is notably useful in reversing the effects of dark magic. As such the demand for this particular toadstool is gaining in popularity.

Talking Toadstools

This talented little toadstool has the uncanny ability to mimic human sounds. But don’t expect to have a conversation with one, they are usually limited to short phrases.

Appearance
Talking Toadstools, unlike other toadstool varieties, grow independently rather than in clusters. It is rare to find more than five of these charming toadstools within a five metre radius. The reason for this is still unknown to herbologists, but the suspicion is that they don’t like the sound of each others voices. Averaging a height of up to ten centimetres these little toadstools emit a high, whinny sound and in no way sound anything like a human... unless you happen to be whinny. With their white stems and pale pink caps, they make a great addition to anybodies front yard. They’re also a childrens favourite!

Cautions
Talking Toadstools are rated 2, somewhat interesting. Though having said that, if you find yourself in their presence for too long, and they’re in a particularly talkative mood, then you can expect slight mental fatigue and mild cases of hysteria.

Care Of
Talking Toadstools thrive in sunlight, so make sure that they are out in the open or in a part of a greenhouse where they receive ample sunlight. Watering everyday is required otherwise they tend to become dehydrated rather quickly. On the off chance you do happen to forget to water your Talking Toadstool and it has become wrinkly and unwell, a generous watering and a few drops of Mooncalf Solution should restore its health.

Uses
Talking Toadstools are often used fresh in sound-transfiguring potions.

Tangled Urchin

Legend says this toadstool was banished from the sea by King Triton himself after he had a nasty accident and found himself face down in a large cluster of Tangled Urchins. We of course don't have any evidence of this, but you will notice that there is sea salt found in the nooks of the arms on this toadstool.

Appearance
The Tangled Urchin grows in clusters and can in fact completely block forest paths. This particularly nasty toadstool resembles a small spiky sea urchin. With twisted sharpened arms that stick out in all directions. This toadstool usually is found in shades of midnight blue. There have been a few specimens found that were completely white, but research shows they are only found once every couple hundred years.

Cautions
The Tangled Urchin is rated 5, useful but use with caution. Its thorn like arms are incredibly sharp and will slice right through your skin, so you'll want to wear either leather gardening gloves or simple charms when trying to harvest these ferocious fungi.

Care Of
Generally found in thick forest undergrowth, the Tangled Urchin prefers dark and damp conditions. Though occasionally they can be found in open fields or paddocks, they grow particularly well with the aid of a little Abraxan dung.

Uses
The Tangled Urchin is not the easiest toadstool to harvest, but you may be surprised at how many uses are out there for this very distinctive toadstool. The salt alone harvested from the toadstools is incredibly valuable. The salt is highly sought after for use as a cooking salt, by some of the most renowned chefs in the world. Of course getting large quantities of the salt is nearly impossible, but well worth your efforts. A little of this particular salt does go a long way. The body of the toadstool itself is used in many energy elixirs and protection potions.

Teardrop Toadstool

One of the most recognizable varieties of toadstools is the Teardrop Toadstool. The legend of the Teardrop Toadstool says that a young witch was once denied marriage to an enchanted prince, instead she was told she would marry a powerful and evil warlock. She wrote a love letter to her prince telling him to find her hidden in the forest. It is said she then ran away to the forest and turned herself into a toadstool. The tears that run down the stem are hers that she sheds for her lost love who has yet to find her.

Appearances
This little gem grows to between 4-7 inches tall and has a brilliant flaming orange colouring. Tiny black tear shaped spots decorate the thin little stem.

Cautions
The Teardrop Toadstool is rated 5, useful but use with caution. While they seem sweet and even a tad bit sad, they are actually quite dangerous. These are among the most poisonous of toadstools, so take care when handling, and make sure to keep track of them once you harvest them.

Care Of
These toadstools are known to grow in a number of different climates, but seem to prefer staying relatively close to magical energies. As such they can be found in most enchanted forests and magical marshes. Some of these toadstools have been found in muggle areas, but they have an internal cloaking shield that allows only those with magical abilities to see them.

Uses
Teardrop Toadstools are often used as replacement ingredients for both phoenix tears and mermaid scales. For some mysterious reason they share many of the same qualities and magical reactions. This almost guarantees this toadstools place at the head of the most wanted toadstool list, as both mermaid scale and phoenix tears are incredibly expensive and unbelievably rare.

Tingling Tambourines

It is officially named the Tingling Tambourine, but is also know in certain parts of the world as the Jingle Bell (aptly named for its jingly sound and its umbrella shaped cap). Most wizards know the toadstool by either name, though it is becoming scarce in some areas.

Appearance
The Tingling Tambourine is named specifically for its jingly pore pockets which dangle below the toadstools cap. These 1/8 of inch long pockets contain hardened spores which the toadstool will release twice yearly in order to spread its seeds. Tingling Tambourines are usually between 7 to 10 inches tall with thin stems and of course the trademark pockets which hang below the cap. Colours can range from brilliant peach to the gaudiest green. It is typical to find this toadstool in just about any shade of the rainbow, so the best way to identify this toadstool is by its spore pockets or the tingling sensation you will feel when you have touched one.

Cautions
The Tingling Tambourine is rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities. Though, this toadstool's spores contain some magical ingredient which will cause numbness and tingling in anything that touches it. This is probably a defence mechanism it uses to scare off garden gnomes.

Care Of
These toadstools are becoming increasingly rare and they seem to thrive in greenhouse conditions as long as you can keep it free from burrowing beetles. These beetles are known to destroy this toadstool's habitat and seem to feed upon the spore pockets.

Uses
When harvested the Tingling Tambourine is often dried and used in rattles for children or for simple musical instruments that children can pick and craft themselves. The pockets of spores create a lovely wooden tingling noise that can't seem to be duplicated with modern technology. It is also commonly used in hospitals and medications as a milder alternative to anaesthesia. It has no known side effects and can wear off in as little as 20 minutes.

Twitching Toad

Deep in the darkness of our enchanted rain forests hides a real bounty. Hiding in the shadows of vines and basilisks lurks a real profitable little fungi; the toadstool we know as the Twitching Toad or the Twitching toadstool.

Appearance
These toadstools have a purplish brown hue and can be found trembling in the shadows of trees, vines and whatever else they can squeeze into the shadow of. They tremble to absorb moisture and particles from the air, which they use as food. The trembling also aides in warding off attackers, which often mistake the trembling for a warning from a snake.

Cautions
The Twitching Toad is rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
The Twitching Toad can be found in the wettest regions of our world and in most enchanted rain forests, and despite its reigning popularity it can still be readily found and harvested.

Uses
Once harvested for its dye making ingredients, it was abandoned long ago when puce turned out to no longer be the "in" colour for robes. Now this magical marvel is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The Twitching Toadstool has been found to have strengthening properties. Wand shops have recently been using this toadstool in certain waxes which promise to extend a wands life from one generation to 5 with only one application of the wax! That is a pretty incredible feat for a tiny toadstool. Since this wax hit the market, the demand for this toadstool has shot through the roof.

Waxy Wheel

A very prolific fungi, the Waxy Wheel may seem to be nothing more than a commoner among toadstool royalty, but don't let the fact that it is easy to find, deter you. When looking for choice toadstools, this should be among your top picks! Though it can be found quite readily, it is also one of the most needed and traded in our wizarding world.

Appearance
You can identify this particular toadstool by its distinctive cap. The cap has a pattern mimicking that of what a wagon wheel might look like. They are usually found in shades of rusty brown, but have been known to occasionally grow in lovely shades of garnet. The stem is usually between 3 to 8 inches tall in mature specimens and is usually ivory or a pale cream freckled with rusty brown.

Cautions
Waxy Wheel is rated 3, useful with no dangerous qualities.

Care Of
The Waxy Wheel can be grown readily in greenhouses, sheds, and gardens alike. It prefers shady dank conditions and will need to be watered constantly.

Uses
Among the most popular are waxes specifically developed for broom performance. The waxes from these toadstools is prized for its preservation properties, strengthening abilities and the wax is most famously known to add incredible shine to dull surfaces. In fact Ministry Studies show that the aging process of the wood that is rubbed with this magical wax, actually starts to reverse in aging.

Whomping Toadstools

The Whomping Toadstool is in the same family as the Whomping Willow as they have some of the same properties. This is one of the rarest specimens of toadstools in the world. Although they are very easy to spot, there are very few of them. Whomping Toadstools can be used for so many things, but most wizards do not know of their value to the world.

Appearance
Whomping Toadstools are between 5 and 8 inches wide and are generally about 4 inches tall. To identify this rare toadstool, you must notice three features. The first is an unusual cap. It is the colour of a zebra. This unusual black and white striped toadstool can be seen from a distance which is why they can easily be avoided. The second feature you must notice is a snow white stem. This is very important because if the stem is any other colour, it is not a Whomping Toadstool. Lastly, you must look for the most important feature, the black raindrop spot on the stem.

Cautions
Whomping Toadstools are rated 5, useful but use with caution. They have the tendency to destroy anything that comes near it just like the tree. It uses its cap as a club to beat anything coming close enough. They generally cannot injure a human badly, but can cause some minor pain. They also contain a toxin that can cause even greater injury.

Care Of
They are found mostly in tundra regions as they prefer mild temperatures. Like the Whomping Willow, there is a specific spot on the stem where if you push it, it will become calm as long as you hold it down. While holding down this spot, which looks like a black raindrop, pull it out of the ground. Then your toadstool will be available for use.

Uses
They can be used in a number of potions if you know how to collect them.

Introduction

Several interesting varieties of mushrooms can be cultivated and planted in the gardens of wizards, witches, and even Muggles. They can make excellent decorations, or even chairs and tables while giving a garden a distinctive style. Some will grow over time naturally, with the right conditions, while others need a painstakingly long amount of time and care. Here are a few mushrooms to get you started.

The Common Garden Mushroom

This mushroom is an ordinary beige-brown mushroom that perhaps is the most ordinary out of all the mushrooms and toadstools here. It grows with no reason, and often it grows alarmingly fast. It can even be grown in a Muggle garden. The mushroom is usually in any range of browns with pale splotches in either white or beige. When precipitation falls, often the mushroom expands rapidly, absorbing water. The size of mushrooms varies. The mushroom can be small, growing in clusters, or it can be very large: the cap can grow up to the size of a dinner plate! They are very firm with a slight spring to when pressed. Often, mushrooms of this variety and of large size are the favourite hiding places of gnomes.

Spotted Mushroom

The spotted mushroom is a garden mushroom that is usually of medium size. It also is very common in forests or woodlands. These are often confused with Fairy Caps (a red and white spotted mushroom that fairies inhabit) but there are a few significant differences, mainly the stems. The stems of Fairy Caps are white and hollow while the stems of a Spotted Mushroom are beige and spotted with white. Muggles cannot grow this type of mushroom; but however, more than a few have glimpsed it. They have often copied the mushroom and made a plastic garden decoration they think resembles the Spotted Mushroom. The Spotted Mushroom is in any range of red from dark red to bright red and has perfect circular white spots or in very rare cases, pink spots. Spotted mushrooms must usually be cultivated, as they usually do not grow by themselves in any garden. They require frequent watering, otherwise they will shrivel and die in a few weeks. They are soft and spongy and make excellent chairs or side tables in a garden if you can manage to grow large ones.

Horklumps

Horklumps are not technically toadstools not mushrooms, but they are a frequent and common garden pest, especially in the gardens of northern Europe. However, it does resemble a Furry Mushroom. It is pink and fleshy, covered with wiry black bristles sparsely distributed throughout its top. It also has sinewy tentacles that it sinks into the ground and it is a favourite food and considered a delicacy of gnomes. Horklumps can cover an average sized garden in a few days. Of course, these can only be found in the gardens of magical folk. Muggles have never even glimpsed them. The Horklump has no real discernible use.

Shimmer Shrooms

Shimmer Shrooms can be found deep within lush, green forests. They enjoy dark and damp conditions, and are often found littering the forest floor. The reason why Shimmer Shrooms are so aptly named is that the head of the mushroom shines with a soft glow whenever moonlight strikes the mushrooms. Hence, Shimmer Shrooms can only be found in places where the moonlight reaches the ground within the forest. One known place to find the Shimmer Shroom is the Silver Leaf Forest in Russia,

Shimmer Shrooms look like a common white mushroom when away from the moonlight, hence the only way to identify it would be to wait until the moonlight shines upon the mushroom. It can grow up to 2 inches in height and 1.5 inches wide. Be warned that although the Shimmer Shroom is not poisonous and can be eaten, it has some rather strange side-effects when ingested. One who eats a Shimmer Shroom will attain skin that shimmers under the moonlight for about 5 to 8 hours, depending on the amount eaten. As the Shimmer Shroom is rather small and non-descript, be careful not to crush them beneath your feet when searching for one.

Shimmer Shrooms are the favourite food for the glitterskin firebugs during mating season, as they contain an ingredient that allows the firebug's shell to sparkle more. The firebugs are known for their shiny shells and ability to burst into flames to scare off predators without harming themselves in the process. It is often speculated that the male firebug that sparkles the most will be able to mate with the strongest female of his choice.

The only potion that makes use of the Shimmer Shroom is the Chameleon Skin Potion, which allows one's skin to fade into the background just like a chameleon when applied. Its effects are somewhat rather similar to the Disillusionment Charm. However, the Shimmer Shroom should be picked on a full moon night, or as close to it as possible, to ensure the potency of the Chameleon Skin Potion.

Introduction
Whether you’re interested in a little wandlore or whether your just after a nice shade tree, Wand trees make an excellent addition to any garden. They’re particularly favoured by many witches and wizards who live in or near muggle communities, as while these trees are abundant in magical energy they appear to be average and mundane to the untrained human eye.

Though don’t expect to be able to grow a healthy specimen in a small yard or in a pot. No, wand trees benefit most out in the open with plenty of room for it to grow freely. Some of the smaller varieties will make do in greenhouse conditions, if the proper care is provided.

Most wand trees require a moderate amount of sunlight throughout the year, though darker, colder conditions will not stop you from growing these tremendously curious trees. It will just take them a little longer to mature. Regular watering is not necessary as their complex root system is able to penetrate deep into the Earth’s surface and is able to obtain enough moisture and nutrients they require, naturally.

Wand trees, though they are not rare, are not easy to obtain and are especially difficult to grow from scratch. Practice is the key, and perhaps one day with a bit of patience, good timing and a little luck you’ll have yourself a healthy young spruce. The best option if you’re after a Wand tree is to obtain one from your nearest muggle or Magical Nursery, though be warned, while it is the more practical option it can be costly.

Cautions
Wand trees have a generic classification rating of 3, useful with no dangerous qualities. So unless you are graced with incredibly bad luck, or are particularly careless... or an idiot, then a Wand tree shouldn’t give you any grief.

A little caution should be taken however, as Bowtruckle’s serve as tree guardians, and are particularly fond of Wand trees. But unless you threaten either a Bowtruckle or the Bowtruckle’s tree then you should be fine... just don’t poke one, it will poke you back. They live harmoniously within Wand trees and are also known to serve as a guardian to a wizarding families home. Peace offerings of woodlice are always appreciated.

Alder

Appearance
Alder leaves are deciduous (not evergreen), alternate, simple, and serrated. The flowers are called catkins and have elongated male catkins on the same plant as the shorter female catkins, often before the leaves appear. They are mainly wind-pollinated, but bees and other insects also play a small role in this. They differ from the birches in that the female catkins are woody and do not disintegrate at maturity, opening to release the seeds in a similar manner to many conifer cones.
The largest species are Red Alder on the west coast of North America and the Black Alder, native to most of Europe and widely introduced elsewhere, both reaching over 30 metres in height. By contrast, the widespread Green Alder is rarely more than a 5 metre tall shrub.

Properties
The Alder is an unusual tree, it is water loving yet is also highly combustible, making it very sacred as it combines the elements water and fire. Because of its fierce flame it is sometimes known as the warrior tree, its symbolism being that of strength, tenacity and determination. Because of its resistance to water it can be used to hold water elementals and negative spirits. Dyes can be made from its bark, flowers and twigs, one of which was red which the druids used to dye their faces during rituals.

Ash

Appearance
The 45-65 species of usually medium to large trees, mostly deciduous though a few subtropical species, are evergreen. The tree's common English name, ash, goes back to the Old English, while the generic name originated in Latin. Both words also meant "spear" in their respective languages. The leaves are opposite (rarely in whorls of three), and are simple in a few species. The seeds, popularly known as keys or helicopter seeds, are a type of fruit known as a samara.

Properties
Ash also referred to as Yggdrasil in Northern Europe and known as the world tree was very sacred to the druids. Its main symbolism being that of stability as it links the inner and other worlds. It is used in spells that require focus and strength and is often used to banish mental strife. It is said that if you put its leaves under your pillow it will induce psychic dreams.

Birch

Appearance
Birch species are generally small to medium-size trees or shrubs, mostly of temperate climates. The simple leaves may be toothed or pointed. The fruit is a small samara, although the wings may be obscure in some species. They differ from the alders, in that the female catkins are not woody and disintegrate at maturity, falling apart to release the seeds, unlike the woody cone-like female alder catkins. The bark of all birches is characteristically marked with long horizontal lenticels, and often separates into thin papery plates, especially upon the Paper Birch. It is practically imperishable, due to the resinous oil which it contains. Its decided colour gives the common names gray, white, black, silver and yellow birch to different species.
The buds form early and are full grown by midsummer, all are lateral, no terminal bud is formed; the branch is prolonged by the upper lateral bud. The wood of all the species is close-grained with satiny texture and capable of taking a fine polish; its fuel value is fair.
The leaves of the different species vary but little. All are alternate, doubly serrate, feather-veined, and stipulate. They often appear in pairs, but these pairs are really borne on spur-like two-leaved lateral branches.

Properties
Birch is one of the first trees to grow on bare soil and has come to symbolize fertility, healing and rebirth. The tree itself was used for almost everything from canoes to producing sugar and represents that which is needed for everyday living. It is known for its protective healing abilities and is used to drive out evil spirits and as protection from the faery folk.

Blackthorn

Appearance
Blackthorn is a deciduous large shrub or small tree growing to 5 m tall, with blackish bark and dense, stiff, spiny branches. The leaves are oval, 2 to 4.5 cm long and 1.2 to 2 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are 1.5 cm diameter, with five slightly creamy-white petals; they are produced shortly before the leaves in early spring, and are hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. The fruit, called a "sloe", is a drupe 10 to 12 mm in diameter, black with a pale purple-blue waxy bloom, ripening in autumn, and harvested — traditionally, at least in the UK, in October or November after the first frosts. Sloes are thin-fleshed, with a very strongly astringent flavour when fresh.
It is frequently confused with the related cherry plum, particularly in early spring when the latter starts flowering somewhat earlier than. They can be distinguished by flower colour, creamy white in pure white in. They can also be distinguished in winter by the more shrubby habit with stiffer, wider-angled branches of in summer by the relatively narrower leaves of, more than twice as long as broad. In autumn it can be identified by the colour of the fruit skin — purplish-black and yellow or red.

Properties
Blackthorn is a winter tree and is very hardy, it has black bark and is armed with vicious thorns and can be found growing in dense thickets. Its wood and its thorns are used for offensive magic like thundersticks or piercing effigies. The plant itself has come to represent fate or outside influences that must be followed.

Cedar

Appearance
Cedars are trees up to 30–40 m (occasionally 60 m) tall with spicy-resinous scented wood, thick ridged or square-cracked bark, and broad, level branches. The shoots are dimorphic, with long shoots, which form the framework of the branches, and short shoots, which carry most of the leaves. The leaves are evergreen and needle-like, 8–60 mm long, arranged in an open spiral phyllotaxis on long shoots, and in dense spiral clusters of 15–45 together on short shoots; they vary from bright grass-green to dark green to strongly glaucous pale blue-green, depending on the thickness of the white wax layer which protects the leaves from desiccation. The seed cones are barrel-shaped, 6–12 cm long and 3–8 cm broad, green maturing grey-brown, and, as in Abies, disintegrate at maturity to release the winged seeds. The seeds are 10–15 mm long, with a 20–30 mm wing; as in Abies, the seeds have 2–3 resin blisters, containing an unpleasant-tasting resin, thought to be a defence against squirrel predation. Cone maturation takes one year, with pollination in autumn and the seeds maturing the same time a year later. The pollen cones are slender ovoid, 3–8 cm long, produced in late summer and shedding pollen in autumn.

Properties
Cedar wands cleanses negative atmospheres. Used for the creation of sacred spaces. Related to longevity, protection, and preservation, it is often used to summon helpful spirits during rituals and invocations.

Cherry

Appearance
Members of the genus can be deciduous or evergreen. A few species have spiny stems. The leaves are simple, alternate, un-lobed, and often with nectaries on the leaf stalk. The flowers are usually white to pink, sometimes red, with five petals and five sepals. There are numerous stamens. Flowers are borne singly, or in umbels of two to six or sometimes more on racemes. The fruit is a fleshy drupe (a "prune") with a single relatively large hard coated seed (a "stone").

Properties
Cherry wands are very centred and has very grounded energy. Earth energy is very well grounded, unwavering, and solid. Cherry is used in ritual to stabilize and focus. Cherry is often used for intuitive and insight and to overcome obstacles. This is an excellent choice for divination or medium work, as well as healing and love magic. Cherry is suited for use in hunting magic, working with animals and familiars, eroticism, unification of covens and groups, spells of detection, and amplifying spell work.

Chestnut

Appearance
Chestnut trees are of moderate growth rate (for the Chinese chestnut tree) to fast-growing for American and European species. Their mature heights vary from the smallest species, often shrubby, to the giant of past American forests that could reach 60 m. In between these extremes are found the Japanese chestnut at 10 m average; followed by the Chinese Chestnut at about 15 m, then the European chestnut around 30 m. Its bark is smooth when young, of a vinous maroon or red-brown colour for the American chestnut, grey for the European chestnut. With age American species' becomes grey and darker, thick and deeply furrowed; the furrows run longitudinally, and tend to twist around the trunk as the tree ages; it sometimes reminds one of a large cable with twisted strands.
The leaves are simple, ovate or lanceolate, 10 to 30 cm long and 4 to 10 cm wide, with sharply pointed, widely-spaced teeth, with shallow rounded sinuates between.
The flowers follow the leaves, appearing in late spring or early summer or onto July. They are arranged in long catkins of two kinds, with both kinds being borne on every tree. Some catkins are made of only male flowers, which mature first. Each flower has eight stamens, or 10 to 12. The ripe pollen carries a heavy sweet odour that some people find too sweet or unpleasant. Other catkins have these pollen-bearing flowers, but also carry near the twig from which these spring, small clusters of female or fruit-producing flowers. Two or three flowers together form a four-lobed prickly calybium, which ultimately grows completely together to make the brown hull, or husk, covering the fruits.
The fruit is contained in a spiny (very sharp) cupule 5 to 11 cm in diameter, also called "bur" or "burr". The burrs are often paired or clustered on the branch and contain one to seven nuts according to the different species, varieties and cultivars. Around the time the fruits reach maturity, the burrs turn yellow-brown and split open in 2 or 4 sections. They can remain on the tree longer than they hold the fruit, but more often achieve complete opening and release the fruits only after having fallen on the ground; opening is partly due to soil humidity.

Properties
Artistic ability, magical knowledge, and optimism are provided by the enchanting use of Chestnut. The energy of chestnut wands promoted love and creativity allowing a person to move beyond self-serving modes of existence. Hazel is the bringer of change. Hazel also promotes creative expression, eloquence, and art of all types.

Ebony

Appearance
Ebony’s usually grow in a rounded manner, with a spreading or horizontal vase shape. The leaves are dark green bipinnately divided with oval leaflets. Most genus’ are known to have flowers which are creamy white or yellow in colour. These fragrant flowers make great additions to greenhouses and are good street and shade trees because of its ability to grow in small places with compacted soil. The Ebony tree blooms in late spring and intermittently throughout the summer. The fruit which is only produced during spring time are 4 to 6 inches long, and have seed pods that are black or brown.

Properties
Ebony is the most famous of the Dark woods, and is one of the most powerful wandwoods avaliable. It is strong in two ways: for visual impact and power. It is known to be a very receptive wood, and bonds with its owner effortlessly.

Elder

Appearance
The tree can be found in the northern and southern hemispheres of the world. The species or groups of the elder tree vary depending on what part of the world you are in. Also, the types of berries that are found on the tree also changes based on where you are at. For example, the red-berried tree is generally found in the colder parts of the northern hemisphere. This group of elder tree is small like a shrub. The European Dwarf Elder is found in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia and its berries are black. The elder tree has clusters of white or cream coloured flowers that generally bloom in the late spring. Once these clusters are gone, the elder tree will produce small berries that may vary in colour between black, blue-black or red. The flowers of the tree do have a use as they are used to make elderflower liqueur. Likewise, the berries can be used to make wine or jelly.

Properties
Elder is well known for its regenerative properties, it can easily regrow damaged branches and roots quickly from any part. It represents the end in the beginning and the beginning in the end. It was considered by some as unlucky as it was the abode of witches, but to others it was the tree of second sight that allowed you to see the faery folk. It was a sacred tree and it was not allowed to be damaged in anyway the druids used it both for spells and curses. It was believed that if you bathed your eyes in the sap of the wood it allowed you to see faeries and witches.

Elm

Appearance
Elm leaves are alternate, with simple, single- or, most commonly, doubly serrate margins, usually asymmetric at the base and acuminate at the apex. The genus is hermaphroditic, having apetalous (petal-less) perfect flowers which are mostly wind-pollinated, although bees do visit them. The fruit is a round wind-dispersed samara flushed with chlorophyll, facilitating photosynthesis before the leaves emerge. All species are tolerant of a wide range of soils and pH levels but, with few exceptions, demand good drainage.

Properties
Use of the Elm wands is strong in magic used concerning endurance, fertility, horticulture, passage thru death and phases of life, rebirth, and invocation of the Goddess. Elm adds stability, grounding, and focus to spell working.

Hawthorn

Appearance
They are shrubs or small trees, mostly growing to 5–15 m tall, with small pome fruit and (usually) thorny branches. The most common type of bark is smooth grey in young individuals, developing shallow longitudinal fissures with narrow ridges in older trees. The thorns are small sharp-tipped branches that arise either from other branches or from the trunk, and are typically 1–3 cm long (recorded as up to 11.5 cm in one case). The leaves grow spirally arranged on long shoots, and in clusters on spur shoots on the branches or twigs. The leaves of most species have lobed or serrate margins and are somewhat variable in shape.

Properties
Also known as the Whitethorn, it is considered to be one of the most powerful trees. It is closely associated with witchcraft, protection, fertility. It is often used for love/marriage spells and protection with its powers of dispelling negative energy and strife. The Hawthorn is said to stand at the doors of the other world and is sometimes called the faery tree and can be found 'guarding' cemeteries and holy places. The tree except in May is usually regarded as a very unlucky tree due to its contradictory nature of having beautiful flowers and deadly thorns.

Hazel

Appearance
They have simple, rounded leaves with double-serrate margins. The flowers are produced very early in spring before the leaves, and are monoecious, with single-sex catkins, the male pale yellow and 5–12 cm long, the female very small and largely concealed in the buds, with only the bright red 1–3 mm long styles visible. The seeds are nuts 1–2.5 cm long and 1–2 cm diameter, surrounded by an husk which partly to fully encloses the nut.

Properties
The Hazel is considered one of the most important trees it is very closely related to the salmon, who eats its nuts of poetic wisdom. Its associations are: intuition; poetry; divination; meditation; wisdom; knowledge and fertility. The nuts have been eaten to gain knowledge, they have also been used as part of a hallucinogenic brew to induce visions. In addition many love spells and aphrodisiacs can be made from its nut.

Holly

Appearance
They have alternate, simple leaves and single or clustered, small, usually greenish flowers (male and female being usually on separate plants). English holly is a tree which grows up to 15 m (nearly 50 feet) tall, bears shining, spiny, dark, evergreen leaves and usually red fruits.

Properties
Holly is associated with the cycle of death and rebirth representing winter winning over summer. With this symbolism in mind it is good for spells that involve sleep or rest. Because of its bristles and its use in making spears it is closely associated with combat and protection, warding away evil spirits and also signifying the virtues of balance and directness. It is favoured during the winter season as lucky with its beautiful leaves and berries being very colourful against the dead landscape giving hope for the following summer during the dark months.

Hornbeam

Appearance
The leaves are deciduous, alternate, and simple with a serrated margin, and typically vary from 3–10 cm in length. The flowers are wind-pollinated pendulous catkins, produced in spring. The male and female flowers are on separate catkins, but on the same tree. The fruit is a small nut about 3–6 mm long, held in a leafy bract; the bract may be either tri-lobed or simple oval, and is slightly asymmetrical. The asymmetry of the seedwing makes it spin as it falls, improving wind dispersal. The shape of the wing is important in the identification of different hornbeam species. There are typically 10–30 seeds on each seed catkin.

Properties
Hornbeam, or ironwood, is considered to be the most stubborn of wand woods. Those who have the necessary will to master it will be rewarded with an extremely powerful wand.

Ivy

Appearance
Ivies have two leaf types, with palmately lobed juvenile leaves on creeping and climbing stems, and unlobed cordate adult leaves on fertile flowering stems exposed to full sun, usually high in the crowns of trees or the top of rock faces, from 2 metres or more above ground. The juvenile and adult shoots also differ, the former being slender, flexible and scrambling or climbing with small aerial roots to affix the shoot to the substrate (rock or tree bark), the latter thicker, self-supporting, and without roots. The flowers are greenish-yellow with five small petals; they are produced in umbels in autumn to early winter, and are very rich in nectar. The fruit is a greenish-black, dark purple, or in a few rare cases yellow. The berry is 5–10 mm in diameter with one to five seeds, ripening in late winter to mid spring; the seeds are dispersed by birds which eat the berries.

Properties
Ivy is able to thrive and grow in almost all environments, it is extremely strong and is very difficult to destroy. Its stalks grow in what appears a helix and therefore represents the growing spiral of self enlightenment that was sacred to the Celts. It symbolizes the soul and its journeys both inner and outer on its search for nourishment.

Mahogany

Appearance
It is usually taken to consist of three species, geographically separated. They are medium-sized to large trees growing to 20–45 metre tall, and up to 2 metre trunk diameter. The leaves are 10–30cm long, pinnate, with 3-6 pairs of leaflets, the terminal leaflet absent; each leaflet is 5–15cm long. The leaves are deciduous to semi-evergreen, falling shortly before the new foliage grows. The flowers are produced in loose inflorescences, each flower small, with five white to greenish-yellowish petals. The fruit is a pear-shaped five-valved capsule 8–20cm long, containing numerous winged seeds about 5–9cm long.
The three species are poorly defined biologically, in part because they hybridize freely when grown in proximity.

Properties
Mahogany wands are used in the magic of divination. Aspiration, desire, and victory are all key elements of this wood. Used while working with ancestors, old wisdom, and magical research.

Oak

Appearance
Oaks have spirally arranged leaves, with a lobed margin in many species; some have serrated leaves or entire leaves with a smooth margin. The flowers are catkins, produced in spring. The fruit is a nut called an acorn, borne in a cup-like structure known as a cupule; each acorn contains one seed (rarely two or three) and takes 6–18 months to mature, depending on species. The live oaks are distinguished for being evergreen, but are not actually a distinct group and instead are dispersed across the genus.

Properties
Oak has always been respected by nearly all world cultures. Admired for its strength and size it represents strength, endurance and power. Because it is often struck by lightening it has become associated with having the ability to attract inspiration, wisdom and illumination. Oak galls were known as Serpent Eggs and were used in magic and charms. It has also been associated with fertility. The oak is considered very sacred to the druids and there name has even been linked as a derivative of duir (oak).

Reed

Appearance
The erect stems grow to 2–6 metres (6ft 7in–19ft 8in) tall, with the tallest plants growing in areas with hot summers and fertile growing conditions.
The leaves are long for a grass, 20–50 centimetres (7.9–20 in) and 2–3 centimetres (0.79–1.2 in) broad. The flowers are produced in late summer in a dense, dark purple panicle, about 20–50*cm long. Later the numerous long, narrow, sharp pointed spikelets appear greyer due to the growth of long, silky hairs. When harvested correctly the Reed stems become hard, but pliable making good hardy wands.

Properties
Some cultures primarily use Reed wands for spiritual healing, it is also known as a traveller’s wood. It enhances intellectual pursuits, acquiring knowledge, and communication. Spells concerning art, beauty, binding, and abundance should consider using this wood.

Rosewood

Appearance
Rosewood is a rounded, semi-evergreen tree with pinnate leaves made up of bright green leaflets with notched tips. Their heights vary between 30 and 100 ft. They have small pea-like flowers usually in yellow or apricot colours with rusty red veins which bloom in spring. Woody seed pods follow the blooms.

Properties
Rosewood is a strong, neutral wood that has no particular strengths or weaknesses, with the exception of one small quirk- it tends to function less effectively underwater.

Rowan

Appearance
Rowans are mostly small deciduous trees 10–20 m tall, though a few are shrubs. The leaves are arranged alternately, and are pinnate, with (7-)11-35 leaflets; a terminal leaflet is always present. The flowers are borne in dense corymbs; each flower is creamy white, and 5–10*mm across with five petals. The fruit is a small pome 4–8mm diameter, bright orange or red in most species, but pink, yellow or white in some Asian species. The fruit are soft and juicy, which makes them a very good food for birds, particularly waxwings and thrushes, which then distribute the Rowan seeds in their droppings. Due to their small size the fruits are often referred to as berries, but a berry is a simple fruit produced from a single ovary, whereas a pome is an accesory fruit.

Properties
The Rowan is also known as the Mountain Ash and the Witchtree (because of the pentagram that can be found at the base of its berries). It has always been regarded as an aid for protection against evil charms and enchantment. It is believed that if it is planted at the gate of your garden it will ward away evil spirits, if used as a walking stick it will protect the traveller from evil and guide him home safely. In addition it is associated with astral travel, vision and healing. The berries and leaves are dried and burned as incense to invoke spirits, familiars, spirit guides, and the elements.

Vine

Appearance
They are thorny, woody vines growing anywhere from 1-12 meters tall, scrambling over other plants with their spiky thorns. The thorns are tipped with a black, waxy substance. They are evergreen where rainfall occurs all year, or deciduous if there is a dry season. The leaves are alternate, simple ovate-acuminate, 4-13cm long and 2-6cm broad. The actual flower of the plant is small and generally white, but each cluster of three flowers is surrounded by three or six bracts with the bright colours associated with the plant, including pink, magenta, purple, red, orange, white, or yellow.

Properties
The Vine has been cultivated for a very long time throughout Europe and is one of the greatest suppliers of wine. Due to the heady effects of wine this plant was associated with the loss of inhibitions and the loosening of the tongue. It represents the release of prophetic powers and the revealing of truths.

Walnut

Appearance
They are deciduous trees, 10–40 metres tall (about 30–130 ft), with pinnate leaves 200–900 millimetres long (7–35 in), with 5–25 leaflets; the shoots have chambered pith, a character shared with the wingnuts , but not the hickories in the same family.

Properties
Walnut is associated with some old European superstitions. In seventeenth-century Italy, a walnut tree in Benevento was believed to be a gathering place for witches.

Willow

Appearance
Willows all have abundant watery bark, sap which is heavily charged with salicylic acid, soft, usually pliant, tough wood, slender branches, and large, fibrous, often stoloniferous roots. The roots are remarkable for their toughness, size, and tenacity to life, and roots readily grow from aerial parts of the plant.
The leaves are typically elongated but may also be round to oval, frequently with a serrated margin. Most species are deciduous; semi-evergreen willows with coriaceous leaves are rare. All the buds are lateral; no absolutely terminal bud is ever formed. The buds are covered by a single scale, enclosing at its base two minute opposite buds, alternately arranged, with two small, opposite, scale-like leaves. This first pair soon fall, and the later leaves are alternately arranged. The leaves are simple, feather-veined, and typically linear-lanceolate. Usually they are serrate, rounded at base, acute or acuminate. The leaf petioles are short, the stipules often very conspicuous, looking like tiny round leaves and sometimes remaining for half the summer. On some species, however, they are small, inconspicuous, and fugacious (soon falling). In colour the leaves show a great variety of greens, ranging from yellowish to bluish. Willows are dioecious with male and female flowers appearing as catkins on different plants; the catkins are produced early in the spring, often before the leaves, or as the new leaves open.

Properties
The Willow is regarded as feminine and is closely associated with the moon and water. It is seen as a melancholic tree representing sadness, it is believed sitting underneath it will soothe the emotions and banish depression and sadness. In addition it was associated to love, healing, rhythms, and the gaining of eloquence, inspiration, growth and skills. It is said to protect from enchantment.

Yew

Appearance
It is a small- to medium-sized evergreen tree, growing 10–20 metres (33–66 ft) (exceptionally up to 28m/92ft) tall, with a trunk up to 2 metres (6ft 7in) (exceptionally 4m/13ft) diameter. The bark is thin, scaly brown, coming off in small flakes aligned with the stem. The leaves are lanceolate, flat, dark green, 1–4 centimetres (0.39–1.6 in) long and 2–3 millimetres (0.079–0.12 in) broad, arranged spirally on the stem, but with the leaf bases twisted to align the leaves in two flat rows either side of the stem, except on erect leading shoots where the spiral arrangement is more obvious.
The seed cones are highly modified, each cone containing a single seed 4–7 millimetres (0.16–0.28 in) long partly surrounded by a modified scale which develops into a soft, bright red berry-like structure called an aril, 8–15 millimetres (0.31–0.59 in) long and wide and open at the end. The arils are mature 6–9 months after pollination, and with the seed contained are eaten by thrushes, waxwings and other birds, which disperse the hard seeds undamaged in their droppings; maturation of the arils is spread over 2–3 months, increasing the chances of successful seed dispersal. The seeds themselves are extremely poisonous and bitter, but are opened and eaten by some bird species including Hawfinches. The aril is not poisonous, and is gelatinous and very sweet tasting. The male cones are globose, 3–6 millimetres (0.12–0.24 in) diameter, and shed their pollen in early spring. It is mostly dioecious, but occasional individuals can be variably monoecious

Properties
The Yew tree is sometimes regarded as the most sacred tree to the druids with it symbolism of death and rebirth (due to the fact that the outer tree dies and a new tree grows within). It represents transformation & reincarnation and may be used to enhance magical/psychic abilities as well as induce vision. All parts of the yew are poisonous apart from the berry covering and it was used to poison weapons, it was also used to make bows.

Introduction

You may be wondering why in the legendary name of Merlin you are reading this... and truthfully, we don’t know. You are either worried about a tree that seems to lurk around your property, are thinking of purchasing a tree to lurk around your property, are trying to teach snoopy neighbours a lesson, or you are just plain mental.

Flesh-eating trees in particular have been used by witches and wizards for centuries as a means of protecting their property from truants and undesirables- either a too curious neighbour, or perhaps just garden gnomes. Or perhaps you like the more pint-sized versions of these ferocious, beastly flora. Trees can certainly be a handful- or two, but smaller shrubs and plants can make a very interesting and useful addition to your garden or greenhouse.

Flesh-eating shrubs and plants usually serve as pest-controllers, and though they are not always essential they do take out the work of de-gnoming your garden yourself.

Uses

Brooms

A broom is a highly treasured and sought after tool for every witch and wizard. Each year new prototypes are released to the public. Year after year the favourites are usually made containing one of two flesh-eating tree hardwoods, either the Tunnelling Teak or the Kackling Cactus. The Tunnelling Teak's wood is incredibly durable. It is reinforced by the very sap it uses to trap its prey. This makes it one of the longest lasting woods available in the world. The Kackling Cactus is known to produce brooms that are both strong and practically maintenance free. This wood can be neglected and never needs to be oiled, cleaned or weatherproofed. This makes it among the most popular woods used in daily commuter brooms.

Wands

Wands are as equally important to each wizard and witch as a broom is. The top two flesh-eating varieties on this wanted wood list are the Stalking Cedar and Enchanting Elms. Wands made from Stalking Cedars have proven to increase spell work and charms when on the offensive, possibly channelling the cedars hunting abilities. The Enchanting Elm on the other hand have never fully proven to increase magic in individuals, but are highly prized for their wood due to their favoured diet...elves. It is often believed that the magic these trees ingest will somehow soak into the wood itself. This has yet to be officially proven by the Ministry, but it is clear that wood from these flesh-eating trees produce more powerful wands than their mundane counterparts.

Decor

Decorating may seem frivolous to some, but the market for wood from Ogreous Oaks and Midnight Magnolias has been steadily increasing. The Ogreous Oak is the producer of the hardest wood in the world. Many Wizarding families prefer this wood to create shelves in their extensive and priceless libraries. The shelves made from Ogreous Oaks are entirely fireproof and have been known to last for thousands of years. Midnight Magnolias are frequently turned into incense burners and decorative boxes. This particular wood has a spicy, sweet honey like aroma that seemingly can't be duplicated. Many families store antique cloaks, papers and trinkets in containers made of this pleasant smelling wood.

Whether you are looking to make a profit, or simply admiring the limitless aspects of flesh-eating trees, you should be able to find a useful wood amongst these monstrous marvels.


Cautions

Flesh-eating trees are by far the more... dangerous of the flesh-eating variety. Generally rating somewhere between 6, being useful but considered dangerous, and 10, meaning you are dead if you touch, inhale or are within 6 inches of this plant. So... do be careful.

Flesh-eating shrubs and plants also vary in rating, but due to their diminutive size are generally not fatal... unless you too are diminutive in size, or a troll- figuratively speaking of course, real trolls can’t read books. Most plants are rated 4, useful but might have some unpleasant side effects, whereas shrubs are a little more dangerous often averaging a rating of 6, useful but considered dangerous.

Insanity

Now you might be wondering how to get your hands on one of these stunning beauties. For shrubs and plants, they are usually available from any good Nursery, or may be purchased from private sales usually found on the outskirts of civilisation. If it’s the trees you’re after, then good luck. Some Nursery’s do allow you to place orders and offer express delivery straight to your home or workplace, with or without your consent- you wouldn’t want to travel with one for too long now would you?

Or for the dare devils and mentally unstable, you might want to consider hunting. Yes, hunting, because if you’re not the hunter, then you’re the hunted. And that wouldn’t be very good, now would it? Hunting flesh-eating trees is very tiring and immensely dangerous task. There are no words to describe just how dangerous it is. It is pure insanity, and we discourage this sort of behaviour from amateur herbologists. But if you insist on getting your hands on a Flesh-eating tree of your very own, then make sure you have the following supplies for your endeavour:

• A wand
• A backup wand
• A bottle of Essence of Dittany
• A backup bottle of Essence of Dittany
• A first aid kit
• Lots of Blood Replenishing Potion
• Wear multiple layers
• Hope and courage

... and Felix Felicis wouldn’t go astray... a lot of it. Anything else will only weigh you down.

There are some locations where your odds of bumping into one of these walking nightmares is almost always a reality. One such place is an enchanted forest. Enchanted forests are full of interesting creatures. This provides a well rounded diet that flesh-eating trees cannot resist. Ogreous Oaks for instance are almost exclusively located in enchanted forests, so looking for them elsewhere would almost be silly.

Dark sides of mountains, dreary rainforests and of course swamps are all great locations to try to catch a glimpse of one of these amazing predators.

If you happen to know a simple charm for invisibility, or have access to an invisibility cloak, you can try hanging out in a known attack area, lying in wait for a chance to spot a Weaving Willow in action.

Remember to dress warmly and pack lightly. These trees almost all prefer cooler climates (with a few exceptions like the pouncing Palm). You will want to pack lightly in case an unplanned escape is needed. These trees are unpredictable at best and should be avoided, but curiosity often gets the better of us, and really who could blame you for being fascinated by these enormous flesh-eating trees?

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.

Bloody-Red Rose

There are hundreds of varieties of roses in the world, but one of the least known and most sinister is the Bloody-Red rose.

The Bloody-Red rose is one of the few flesh-eating shrubs that prefers a cold climate. It is found most often in Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands, where it lives along trails in the woods. When a curious hiker bends over for a look, it strikes.

This rose's weapon is, of course, its thorns. However, the Bloody-Red, unlike normal roses, can grow its thorns at will. The Bloody-Red then uses the hooked shape of the thorns to snare prey. Then, it tosses its victim into a hole in the middle of the petals, which then closes.

The Bloody-Red rose looks like an average rose. It has a green stem with thorns, and a bright red flower. However, this rose has a black ring just above where it enters the ground. Each time it eats, the ring will expand slightly for a few days, then go back to normal. No two of them will live within 50 feet of each other, or they will fight over prey.

Once you are in the plant's clutches, you have only seconds to use the simple (relashio) spell so it will free you. This will only work when you are ensnared by the thorn, once you have been tossed in, it's over. However, the second it lets you go after you say (relashio), it will try to ensnare you again. To avoid this, use (petrificus totalus) or (impedimenta) and it will give you time to get away.

Even though the spells to escape the creatures are simple, performing them on the spur of the moment in mortal danger could be difficult. Thankfully, there is a surprisingly simple way to keep the plant away in the first place. The key is to bring a real rose with you. It does not need to be in your hand, but as long as you have one in your back pack or pocket, you will be fine.

Chokeberry Bush

Much like the name would suggest this feisty little shrub is a predator. Chokeberries are native to the Unites States and particularly favour the conditions in the north-east. They grow well in full light, but tolerate shade. In fact these menacing little shrubs are quite hardy, being able to withstand drought and are able to survive without feeding for up to two years. They are also easy to accommodate into any garden or greenhouse environment as they also tolerate soil compaction and higher than normal salinity.

So if you’re after a fanciful flesh-eating addition to your garden, this one is a sound option. Perfect for amateur and even the most incompetent herbologists, the Chokeberry bush is guaranteed to flourish, no matter how well or how poorly you care for it.

They are self-serving, in that you do not actively need to seek out their meals for them. In the spring they exhibit delicate white or pink flowers, and then have dark berries in the fall. Because of the sweet scent of this shrub, birds, rabbits and even small mammals are lured to the plant for a feed. Little do they know that whilst this charming shrub looks completely harmless from a distance, it will pounce and wrap its flexible branches around their unsuspecting throats.

Once its prey has been successful suffocated, the Chokeberry bush will drag its victims under its foliage towards its mouth at the base of the bush. A light sprinkle of dragon dung wouldn't go astray annually, especially if you do not provide these charming shrubs with regular care. They can reach up to two feet and pose little threat to wizards. Though keep in mind that small pets and little children should not be left unsupervised in the presence of these stranglers.

Daring Doghobble

Is one of the more dangerous species of flesh-eating shrubs. This small shrub, which averages sizes between one to three metres are not only flesh-eating but are incredibly poisonous. Do not be fooled by their mild appearance, these shrubs are killers.

Due to their size, they are not considered dangerous to humans because of their flesh-eating abilities, rather they pose more of a threat because of their poison, which is released through the pores of their leaves. This is their hunting mechanism, opting to poison their prey within seconds, rendering them paralysed before using their roots to pull their victim beneath the ground to devour them. There is nothing about these evergreen, alternate, oblong-lanceolate shaped leaves to suggest it should be approached with caution. It is however their 4-15 millimetre long bell shaped pink flowers which could alert a proficient herbologist to its dangerous properties.

Do not be entirely discouraged from owning these lovely shrubs as they are low maintenance and are mostly self-sufficient. Pets and small children, of course, should be kept at a safe distance, and it is wise to have a few bezoars on hand- just in case. Otherwise a simple Bubble-head charm is enough to protect yourself against the noxious gases released from these small beauties.

Dragon Tree

Though it is a tree, because of its diminutive size many consider it to be a bush. They generally average heights of up to three metres, but they have been known- in rare cases- to grow up to ten metres. There are arguments that these few examples have been manipulated by particularly gifted herbologists and are in fact hybrids, cross-pollinated with taller, larger varieties of trees.

Dragon trees are characterised by their thick trunks, which appears to be composed of numerous smaller trunks wrapped up together. The creases formed on the trunk due to this phenomenon should be treated with much suspicion. One of these creases is the mouth to the dragon tree, but as they are all identical you can never be sure whether you are facing the front of the tree or the back of it.

Even though they are relatively small in size, we suggest you approach them with care, and be vigilant. Dragon trees have ferocious appetites and will never pass up a meal. Though they usually feed on small animals and birds they are more than capable of consuming a fully grown human.

Be wary if you ever come across a tangled, weaved trunk, as you may be facing one of these little nightmares. They are stealthy and incredibly hardened hunters. Escape is unlikely, though a well placed reductor curse may be your best chance.

Rampant Rockrose

Do not be fooled by it’s delicate appearance, the Rampant Rockrose is capable of devouring its fair share of animals, both great and small.

The Rampant Rockrose’ are low shrubs and usually reach heights of up to two metres. They prefer warm, drier climates and grow well in poor soils. So watering and fertilising is not an issue. They make great additions to greenhouses, but it is always best to move them out of doors for the summer as they prefer the direct contact with sunlight.

The Rampant Rockrose blossoms throughout spring and summer. They display a vast array of delicate crumpled, paper-thin flowers, ranging from shades of yellows and pinks to pure whites.

They feed all year round, and will feed on anything they can get their roots on. This includes insects, small pests and vermin such as rats and mice as well as garden gnomes and fairies. They will also prey on small and medium sized animals, opting to bury what’s left of their bigger victims beneath the soil to decompose.

Self-fertilising Bush

This is one of the most efficient flesh-eating shrubs known to the wizarding world. The Self-fertilising Bush does exactly that, self-fertilises. It is one of the easiest shrubs to care for as it only requires a minimal amount of watering and an annual trim.

It grows up to three and a half metres high, though particularly mature specimens have been known to reach heights of four metres. Its evergreen leaves make it a desirable shrub to have in wizarding gardens.

Self-fertilising Bushes feed off insects, birds and small rodents. Occasionally if it hasn’t been fed for some time it will seek out small animals such as cats, dogs and kneazles. After they digest their prey, through their mouth found at the base of its small trunk, it will dispel any of its remains and waste through fertilising nodules found on the underside of each branch. Thus letting the fertiliser fall to the floor at its base.

Weigela

Weigela is a small deciduous shrub and can grow up to five metres tall. While this beauty is native to Asia, it has been successfully cultivated in greenhouses across Europe and the Americas.

In the spring and summer they bloom delicate five-lobbed pink, red or white flowers. Toward the end of summer they shed their flowers and produce small red berries in their place, which will then drop and release their seeds.

Its leaves reach lengths of five to fifteen centimetres long, and have a serrated edge, making it a crafty flesh-eating shrub, by allowing it to slice segments of meat off its victims. This plant doesn't devour its whole victim, with the exception of insects. It has a particularly devout appetite for garden gnomes, and while they are not the greatest pest controllers, they do discourage garden gnomes from infesting their space.

Aconite: Also goes by the name Monkshood or Wolfbane. This is not the poisonous Aconite growing in fields but is a medicinal one. It is also called Anthora, the Wholesome Aconite, or Wholesome Wolfsbane. In medieval times a decoction of the root was used to wash the parts bitten by venomous creatures. Is used in the Wolfsbane potion.

Amaranthus: This plant has a multitude of other names: Flower-gentle, Flower-velure, Floramor, Velvet-flower, Prince's Feather and Love Lies Bleeding. It is classified as an astringent.

Angelica: It's said to resist poisons and comfort the heart, blood and spirits. It is widely used as an anti-dyspeptic and for flatulence.

Apple: Also known as Fruit of the Gods, Fruit of the Underworld and The Silver Bough, this plant's properties are love, healing, garden magic and immortality. Apple has long been a main ingredient of many love potions and is also used as an inflammatory agent in healing potions.

Asparagus: This is a plant most commonly used as a common vegetable but has been used for centuries to help with rheumatism and edema. It's a diuretic and will clear sediment from the bladder. It also has laxative properties.

Bay: Also known as laurel, bay is a herb long used for its properties of protection, aiding psychic powers, healing, purification and strength. It is mainly used in purifying draughts and for ensuring protection, though it is also often used in strengthening solutions, for both the sick and those whose line of work is rather dangerous.

Borage: What would the 'stirrup-cup' be without the pretty borage flowers sitting in it? While used as a salad herb, borage also has other uses. Borage is renowned for being able to restore courage. It is usually classified as a diuretic and used for colds, fevers and lung complaints.

Burdock: Another potent herb for protection and healing, this is a herb known mainly for its taste when mixed with dandelion.

Burnet: Burnet is also called Meadow Pimpernel, Sanguisorbia and Solbegrella, as well as Salad Burnet. It is used as a diuretic and also as an astringent.

Carduus Benedictus: Also known as Blessed Thistle or Holy Thistle, this annual plant is an extremely important medicinal herb. It's mainly used as a tonic but also promotes sweating so is useful in fevers.

Chamomile: Both German and Roman chamomile are vital ingredients in sleeping draughts, but a lesser-known fact about Roman chamomile is that it is used in most major potions to remove spells and curses from the body. Due to this, many magical hospitals grow chamomile on the property.

Chives: A lovely little plant which belongs to the Onion family, Chives is useful for culinary purposes. It has reputedly been used to keep vampires away.

Cleavers: Cleavers is also known as Goose-grass, Catchweed and Bedstraw. It is a soothing and relaxing diuretic. It also has wonderful uses when dried, for being stuffed into mattresses and helping to prevent nightmares from entering the room.

Comfrey: Also known as BoneKnit or KnitBone, this wonderful herb helps to heal the most terrible of wounds, as well as hasten the healing of broken bones. It is a valuable demulcent and healing herb.

Dill: Dill is an extremely easy plant to grow. It usually reaches between two to four feet tall and had blue-green feathery leaves and small yellow flowers which are arranged in clusters called umbels. The best light to use while growing this herb is sunlight.

Dittany: There are two main types of dittany, dittany of Crete and white dittany, both of which are used in healing potions. Dittany of Crete is known to be good for stomachaches or complaints of the digestive system, whilst white dittany secretes oil that has anti-inflammatory properties. This oil is what healers refer to when they talk of the dittany that is to be used to prevent scaring.

Elecampane: This herb can help attract love when worn. You could also se some of the leaves and flowers in a cloth (preferably pink in color) to make a sachet. You can then carry it for protection. If you smoldered it on charcoal this helps with psychic powers, especially while one is scrying.

Eucalyptus: The main property of this plant is to help keep good health. It is helpful with relieving colds. To do this ring a green candle with the leaves and pods, then burn them to the socket. You could also hang a small twig or branch over the sick bed, if you are not allowed to light candles.

Figwort: If worn around your neck this herb helps keep the wearer healthy and can protect against any evil eyes that may be watching. It can also be smoked over a summer fire and hung in a wizard’s home to produce protective powers.

Fanged Geranium:This plant can help clear the mind and body of bad spirits. It also stabilizes emotions and helps to calm the weary. Usually the fangs or leaves are used.

Flax: Flax seeds are often used in money spells, to either attract money or ward off poverty, although they are also included in some healing mixtures, and mixed with red pepper can be used in creating protection wards around the home. A potion made from the blue flowers can also aid protection against sorcery of evil intent.

Garlic: Also known as stinkweed, this herb was traditionally used in the Middle Ages to guard against the plague. Since then garlic has been found to be an invaluable ingredient in any healing potion due to its many medicinal properties. Due to this, it's also though to be very good for protection.

Ginger: Ginger is mainly used in love spells, although it also has the properties of success and power, which is why it is also used in brews such as the Wit-Sharpening Potion.

Ginseng: What a wonderful plant with so many uses. Its roots can be carried o attract love and guard the carrier’s health. It can also draw in money and bring beauty to all who carry it. You can burn it to ward off evil spirits or drink the tea leaves as a powerful drink. It can also be substituted for mandrake.

Grass: Yes you heard right. That green stuff you walk on daily has powers too. Grass is known to have psychic powers. Why do you think it feels so wonderful o lay in it and watch the clouds go by while daydreaming. It is powerful stuff.

Hawthorn: This is best known for its fertility powers. It is used highly in weddings especially in the spring time. Oddly enough if you carry some Hawthorn in a sachet while on a fishing trip it ensures you to have a good catch.

Heliotrope: This herb is an important one when making invisibility potions. Your potion is doomed without Heliotrope. It can also be used to enhance dreams, healing, and wealth.

Honeysuckle: This plant helps balance the right and left brains. It strengthens the mind and its memory for things. It also strengthens the body and brings flexibility to it. It can also help with headaches, sore throats, and even asthma.

Hops: Hops is a very simple plant with two main uses, sleep and healing. As the two go together in most cases hops is a much-used ingredient by healers and their suppliers.

Horehound: This herb is good for both protection and clearing your mind. Drink an infusion of this herb and it will clear your mind for quick thinking.

Iris: Iris is an ingredient of many purification draughts, for both the body and the home, however it can also be used for wisdom and so is often used in potions that give the drinker a clear mind.

Irish Moss: This is carried and placed under different objects to increase ones luck. It could be carried while you are traveling to add safe travels and protection on your trip.

Jasmine: This herb is best known for giving luck in both wealth and love. It can also rejuvenate skin with massages. It also put off a beautiful fragrance.

Juniper: This herb is best used for protection. Many a wizards hang this on their doors for protection against dark magic. It can also guard against ghosts and sickness.

Lavender: Lavender, also known as elf leaf and nard, has long been used to attract love, either in love potions or worn on the person. Because some of its properties include purification, happiness and peace, it is easy to see why it is often included in love potions. Lavender is also an excellent ingredient for sleeping potions, and can also be used in cooking.

Lemongrass: If you plant this herb around your garden it will help repel snakes, so they can’t surprise you while you tend to your garden.

Liquorice: Liquorice is another simple herb, used only in love potions.

Lily: This herb, unlike the previous two, is used for protection and in potions for breaking love spells.

Mint: This is an herb that can be over the top is overused. It can be used in potions dealing with love, money, travel, protection, or healing. Used at the proper amount can be fine, but over dosing can easily happen and will have bad results. Consider yourself warned.

Mullein: Protects you while you are hiking. Wearing this herb will keep beasts away from you. It can also be used in potions to help banish demons and negativity.

Nettle: Nettle is known for its protective powers, which is why it is often used in potions to strip curses from the body. It also has healing properties which are used in potions to cure minor injuries, such as the boil-cure potion.

Olive: This is an must have ingredient for love potions. Be aware when a love potion calls for olive you must be prepared to marry the person you are using it on. It inspires security in love and family.

Pennyroyal: This is another herb used for protection. It causes a shield and repels negativity. It will calm the mind and nerves as well. This herb should not be consumed by someone who is pregnant.

Peppermint: Also known as brandy mint and lammint, peppermint has long been used in healing lotions and potions. It also has a long history of use in protection spells and wards. Fresh peppermint can aid sleep.

Pine: To no shock to you or me this herb promotes cleanliness. It can also inspire enthusiastic feels and positive thoughts. It is best known for bringing harmony to a home. Its scent can be used in curing a cold or even bronchitis.

Plantain: Plantain can be used in certain potions to help them taste better as it helps sooth inflamed throats and bronchial passages. Plantain can also be found in cleaning potions.

Poke: You can use the berries, leaves, and roots from this plant. Cook all ingredients thoroughly as this plant should not be consumed raw or under cooked. You must boil the parts at least twice to make sure it is fully cooked. This can be used for the illness called mumps. It is also possible to make the parts into a paste and use it externally for scabies.

Polyporus: The fruit from this plant is used as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory. It also works wonders for diarrhea. Chinese herbalists believe strongly that this makes a good cancer treatment.

Pomegranate: Usually juiced or ground up to be used in strengthening solutions.

Poppy: The seeds and flowers of the poppy plant are most often used in sleeping aids.

Primrose: This entire plant can be used and is typically used for those with mental health issues, mainly depression. It has a stimulating effect on the liver and spleen. This is a very edible plant.

Psyllium: Psyllium is used to help thicken potions as well as helping in potions for the blood.

Pyrgeum: Use the bark of this plant. The bark of this plant has three active effects. It can be used as a decongestive agent, anti-inflammatory, and can increase the uptake of testosterone. The bark is crushed into a powder and used as a tea. This is typically found in central and southern Africa.

Red clover: Red clover is a type of herb to help loosen up the respiratory system. It can be used to help breathe underwater but not for long periods of time.

Red Raspberry Leaves: This herb can be used to help protect the baby during a pregnancy, as well as relieve muscle pains. It can also be an alternative form of calcium intake.

Rehmannia: Rehumannia is a type of flowering plant. It is commonly used in memory potions, especially potions used to recall memories long forgotten.

Reishi: This is a very rare Asian herb. This is an herb added to either one of the strongest strengthening potions or one of the strongest memory potions created.

Rosemary: Rosemary is used in cleaning and purifying potions, to rid someone or something of negativity or dark magic. It can also be used in healing and sleeping draughts, and one of its properties is protection, so some believe that if used in a sleeping potion it will keep you safe until you wake.

Saffron: Also known as crocus, saffron can be added to love potions, but its main use is in healing elixirs and as a colouring in cooking. Drinking an infusion of saffron is meant to help with divination.

Sage: Sage’s properties include protection, longevity, wisdom, protection and wishes, which is why it is used in countless healing and luck potions.

Salad Burnet: This herb is used in blood potions (such as blood replenishing potions or tourniquet potions.

Skullcap: This herb has a tranquilizing effect on the nervous system, and can be combined with St. John's-wort to make calming draughts.

Slippery Elm: This herb can be used while working in the garden to ward off insects and pests. Can be combined with red raspberry leaves to make a creme to treat burns and scalds.

Sneezewort: A type of yarrow, in which the leaves are to cause sneezing if powdered. Involved in the inflaming of the brain, and used in confusing and befuddlement draughts.

Southernwood: See Artemisia.

Staghorn: is a species of mushroom with a flat, brownish cap. It is usually used in powdered forms.

Starthistle: The long blooms, when dried are used in a variety of potions. It is known to induce happiness and laughter, though it is wise to bear in mind that prolonged use may result in hysteria and madness.

St. John's-wort: This is one of the main ingredients in anti-anxiety potions, relaxing potions, as well as draught of peace because it increases melatonin in the body.

Sweet Woodruff: Use the leaves, roots and berries. The berries are particularly potent, and high doses of these may result in vertigo and somnolence. Often used for its sedative abilities.

Tea Tree: Tea tree is used in hair thickening or hair raising potions. However, it should not be used in potions that are drank as even in small portions it can be fatal.

Trillium: Primarily North American. It is easily recognised as the plant is also known as the Plant of Three’s. Each plant has three stems, on which are three leaves, and produce a single flower on each. Each flower has three petals and three sepals. The plants, roots, leaves and petals may be used in potions.

Turmeric: Similar to ginger. It is also used in love potions. Also one of the main ingredients in an anti-aging potion, as it helps prevent skin from aging.

Typha: also known as bulrush. This plant may be found world-wide and though they are largely aquatic, they also grow well on land. Its stems and flowers may be used in potions.

Valerian: Used in sleeping potions. Valerian is especially effective if combined with St. John's wort or lemon balm. It is responsible for blocking the groggy feeling. Also used in Draught of Living Death.

Veronica: Usually kept for its great ground cover, Veronica grow upright spikes bearing many flowers. These flowers- when used sparingly may be found in potions used for hair growth and generation. This plant may reach up to 36 inches.

Vervain:See Hyssop.

Vitex: Used in aging potions. It is responsible for beard growth and hair turning white.

Wartizome: This magical plant is highly sought after for its properties in protection against Dark enchantments and also in its usefulness as an antidote to many common poisons. It may also be used as a deterrent for Doxies when hung in doorways. Use its bark and leaves in potions.

White Willow: This herb is used in numbing potions, especially the potions for numbing against the unforgivable curses.

Wolfsbane: See Aconite.

Wormwood: Used in Draught of Living Death. Said to also give the drinker psychic abilities (although this hasn't been proven.)

Yarrow: See Achillea

Yellow Dock: Sprigs of this reddish brown stalked plant is used in potions. A single cup of infusion of Yellow Dock is powerful enough to curl the drinker’s hair.

Zedoary: This herb is used in both potions that purify blood (potions that help get rid of venomous bites or stings) and skele-gro.