HERB-401 Lessons

 Year Four, Lesson Six 
Professions and Plants

Introduction
Hello one and all! Come on in so we can begin yet another lesson on the various facets of herbology and related professions. Today we will be revisiting the small section mentioned in the first lesson of this year: breeding. Or, well, more accurately, we will be looking at various creature-related tasks, with breeding among them. You could just as easily apply these concepts to running a conservation program, farming, raising creatures to study for research, or a host of other things. 

Whatever your goal -- and whatever creature may be your focus -- a knowledge of plants will be crucial. Any given creature might interact with plants in a dozen ways over the course of a day. While we don’t have enough time to cover every single creature’s relation to plants, nor every single plant a creature might need to survive, I will attempt to give you an idea as to the breadth of overlap between the two fields with an example: caring for Demiguises.

I know, it’s quite the exciting topic! I do want to stress, however, that I will not be discussing the overall care of these creatures. My goal is to educate you on the flora-based side of the adventure as well as use them as an example of how important knowledge of plants is to raising any creature. However, if raising Demiguises is your one true desire, fear not! Professor Anne covers the majestic beast next year in her O.W.L. level course. 

Finally, before we dive into the lesson, I want to take a brief moment to explain the plant profiles on the board. Because of the sheer volume of information we have to cover in class today, I’m concerned I may accidentally miss some crucial information about the plants in an attempt to get you to your next class on time. In case I miss any key details, I’ve put all of the plants’ full profiles up on the board. Please copy them down for reference!

Down and Dirty Demiguise Facts
Despite the fact that they are covered elsewhere, I must go over a few key points, as this may be your first time hearing of these creatures! The Demiguise is a type of large primate that is both rare and quite difficult to catch. Owing to the great value of their pelts and other parts, the creatures are highly sought after. Because of their ability to both see the immediate future and to become invisible, raising them is often preferable to trying to catch them. Of course, like all creatures kept in captivity, it is important to make sure the Demiguises are happy with their situation, and this is particularly true in this case, as Demiguises have a host of abilities that make them excellent escape artists. Therefore, many Demiguise breeders prefer to house their creatures as well-kept pets, and the Demiguises, particularly those raised in captivity, are happy to stay.

The Demiguise, specifically, is an excellent creature to discuss, as its connections to plants are abundant. First of all, the primate’s diet consists solely of leafy greens, as it is an herbivore. Secondly, like many other large primates, it is native to large, forested areas, lives in trees, and, furthermore, will create elaborate nests in those trees to be more comfortable and secure. Lastly, because of the Demiguise’s rather high intelligence as well as its ability to see brief snapshots of the future, it will often attempt to self-medicate with nearby vegetation when it does not feel well.¹ It will also use plants as tools to make their lives easier. Without any further ado, let’s see how herbs play a part in this lovely creature’s life!

Eating Your Vegetables
As mentioned, Demiguises are purely herbivorous, and they receive all of their sustenance from plants. Because of their size, this means they eat quite a lot of greens. Of course, how much they need to eat largely depends on the caloric value of what they are eating, which changes drastically based on need and availability. Professor Anne would be able to give you a more accurate figure, but in some situations, this means taking in their own body weight in food. Think about that for a moment; it would be a lot of work just to chew it all, let alone find it! 

Demiguises are known to eat the bark, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruit of various plants in their native habitats. Obviously, sugary, fleshy products like fruits are much more filling than leaves or flowers, and these in turn have far more nutritional value than bark. However, because of the Demiguise’s solitary nature and difficulty finding sufficiently sheltered areas in their disappearing habitats, they are not always able to consistently eat the same thing, or even the most filling thing. Thus, their food sources are extremely varied, spanning nearly the whole range of tropical and subtropical plants in the Far East.

To give you just a small sample, banyan trees, strangling figs, durian trees, ficuses, yellow meranti, lianas, vines, orchids, rattan ferns, and more are all potential parts of a Demiguise’s diet. We have covered a few of these in the past, such as orchids, figs, and banyan trees, but there still remain quite a few of interest to study today. 

Council Tree (Ficus altissima) 
Type(s) - tree, evergreen.
Sunlight - full sun.
Height range(s) - 98 feet (30 metres).
Flower colour(s) - N/A
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 6.0 to 6.5.
Water - when soil is dry on top; needs good drainage.
Features - strangler fig, grows without being in soil.

As mentioned, many different kinds of figs grow in the Demiguise’s habitat, so this is just one of a multitude of examples. However, most of these plants -- also known as “strangler figs” -- work in the same way. Their seeds are carried via animal droppings, and they sprout way above the ground, wrapping around a host tree and sending their roots towards the ground gradually. Over time, the roots will eventually land in soil right next to their hosts’ roots and will usually “choke” or “strangle” the life out of their host by competing for soil nutrients and water. As you can see from the image, this can result in rather mesmerizing patterns. Once the host tree is dead, the fig is able to continue to live on its own with no further assistance. If you want to be technical about it, the council tree and its relatives are able to grow completely on their own, so if artificially cultivating it -- like most of us herbologists do -- there is no need to sacrifice another tree just to help this one grow! These mechanisms have only developed because of the fierce competition in their natural environment. 

Despite their cutthroat nature, these trees are of vital importance to tropical and subtropical rainforest environments, as they provide fruit -- which is often in short supply -- multiple times a year, rather than only during one season. Thus, it is included here as one of the Demiguise’s most important food sources. That is not the only thing it provides, of course, as its impressively large leaves can easily be used in making nests, and these trees are naturally part of the forests through which the Demiguise meander and make their homes. They have other uses to humans as well. 

Much like Ficus benghalensis, which we studied last year, the council tree has many beneficial uses, though it is not quite as well studied as its Indian counterpart. Firstly, it is used in potions to prevent piles, fungal infections, and blood clots. A little more whimsically, it is used in the Bouncing Brew and Stretching Solution, which, when applied, make the target surface extremely malleable. It is also utilized in beauty potions specifically for the strengthening and lengthening of eyelashes. Finally, there is some evidence to suggest that it can be used in some quite ingenious and slow-acting poisons, but much further research is needed to be sure. 

Kesusu (Prainea limpato) 
Type(s) - tree.
Sunlight - full sun.
Height range(s) - 98 feet (30 metres).
Flower colour(s) - white, yellow.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 6.0 to 6.5.
Water - emergent water plant.

Known as the kesusu among natives, and little known by anyone else at all, Prainea limpato is a conundrum to magical researchers. Following its discovery in 1938, it was assumed to be a magical plant, as it was able to phase its fruit in and out of sight while the rest of the tree looked like an unremarkable species of mulberry common to the tropical forests of Asia. The plant seemed to be able to show its fruits on its own whim, usually when a magical creature like the Demiguise approached or, on rarer occasions, for an herbologist. For a long time, very few non-magical persons knew of these plants. No one has ever been sure why the plant chooses to become visible, though the leading theories are that it can sense magic or that it somehow knows its targets can make use of its properties. However, following large amounts of deforestation and the dwindling numbers of this and many other plants, it has been showing itself more and more often, to the point where non-wizards are now aware of its existence, at least in Malaysia and its native forests. 

As for why Muggles can now see the plant, theories abound. Some believe that this means the plant is losing its magical ability, whether because of crossbreeding with non-magical plants or weakening due to lack of resources. Others believe it may be a defense mechanism or system of self-preservation for the plant, as showing itself to more people may result in higher odds of conservation and propagation. Regardless of what is actually happening, its magical status is in question at the moment until the truth can be determined because there is so little known about this plant.

This little fruit packs quite a punch, despite the fact that it has only undergone minimal study due to its rarity and difficulty to see. The mature orange fruit pods pull out easily and can simply be eaten for nutrients and a truly excellent energy boost. But if that fruit is crushed and the juice collected, there is much more that can be done. It is utilized in the Speed Solution and agility potions, as well as in some brews to assist with intelligence and mental acuity.  Additionally, now that it has become visible to Muggles -- at least some of the time -- the general Malaysian population has started to use various parts of the plant in traditional medicine practices, usually for recovery after illnesses that cause weakness and atrophy. 

Home Sweet Home
It also bears mentioning that the plants that feed the Demiguise also make up their habitat and shelter, as they live and sleep in the same trees that bear fruit and provide bark. Demiguises prefer the safety of the canopy and therefore usually reside in very tall trees. Additionally, Demiguises create sleeping nests for comfort, safety, and stability. I will go over a few of the most notable and interesting components of those nests, though these are just a small sample of what is used.

Ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) 
Type(s) - tree.
Sunlight - full sun, partial sun.
Height range(s) - 98 feet (30 metres).
Flower colour(s) - N/A.
Foliage colour(s) - dark green.
pH - 6.0 to 6.5.
Water - moderate, water when dry.

One of the tallest and most extraordinary trees that make up the jungles that Demiguises call their home is the ironwood. It comes by its name honestly, as it is one of the hardest known non-magical trees, and is therefore quite sturdy. It grows to a similar height as the council tree, but is often felled or shortened by lightning strikes. It’s used as a rare wandwood among Asian witches and wizards, as well as in the Dragonhide Draught. Interestingly, this tree is one of the few that Demiguises will not eat, though technically their leaves are edible to animal species.

Rotan Manau (Calamus rattan)
Type(s) - vine, evergreen.
Sunlight - partial sun, partial shade.
Height range(s) - 328 feet (100 metres).
Flower colour(s) - yellow.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 4.5 to 9.0.
Water - daily, must not dry out.

This twining vine has fronds much like a fern, though it is actually a palm. In the Demiguise’s daily life, it is excellent for both binding various stems and branches together securely as well as creating a soft, springy bed. Like many of the plants in tropical rainforests, it grows up alongside the tall trees, competing with them for sun and water. Fortunately, these vines are able to grow below the sunny canopy area if need be. They are also used for nutrients, though they do not seem to be the preferred choice, likely due to a combination of an unpleasant taste and low nutritional value.

In terms of magical and medicinal properties, the rotan manau is used in local potions similar to our own Skele-Gro, though it has a nutty, earthy taste as compared to Skele-Gro’s notable sour, acidic tinge. It is also used in love potions and as a fertility aid in herbal preparations. 

Plants for Problem-Solving
This is one of the areas unique to Demiguises. As these creatures have some divinatory abilities, when they realize they are ill, they are able to see what might happen to them. Young Demiguises have been observed chewing on plants tentatively, waiting for their precognition to see if this plant will help with their illness. After a period of trial and error, they are often able to locate a plant that will cure them or ease their symptoms. This is of double significance, as it is also of great help to herbologists who are studying plants and attempting to discover their uses and properties. There are hundreds of plants in the forests of Asia with medicinal properties -- some of which we covered last year -- but there are two of special importance to the Demiguise that I will draw your attention to today.

Cutleaf False Oxtongue (Blumea laciniata)
Type(s) - annual, herb.
Sunlight - partial sun, partial shade.
Height range(s) - 6 feet (2 metres).
Flower colour(s) - yellow, orange.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 6.0 to 6.5.
Water - moderate, water when dry.

This plant, like many other medicinal herbs, is a bit out of the way for the arboreal Demiguise, but they will venture down to the forest floor for many things, including food and plants to cure their illnesses. In terms of the Demiguise and other creatures, this plant serves to alleviate the symptoms and causes of myriad respiratory illnesses to which Demiguises and other large apes are susceptible. The leaves, stems, and flowers are consumed and swallowed by the silver primate and symptoms usually improve quickly afterwards. As for humans, cutleaf oxtongue does have some respiratory applications, particularly for clearing sinuses, but mainly its uses for us lie elsewhere, such as in insecticide potions that rival the Bug Repelling Charm as well as in the Chilling Concoction.

Cantley’s Dragon (Dracena cantleyi)
Type(s) - evergreen, herb.
Sunlight - partial shade.
Height range(s) - 9 feet (3 metres).
Flower colour(s) - white, purple.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green, purple.
pH - 6.0 to 6.5.
Water - when soil is dry; mist leaves twice weekly.

This striking, spotted plant is used by Demiguises to relieve overall pain and what appears to be muscle and joint soreness, as it is used by Demiguises of advanced age as well as females whose joints are under stress due to carrying the extra weight of their offspring. The plant is most often used topically by the primates, and is chewed to a frothy pulp before being applied to the painful area. However, it has also been observed to be consumed in severe circumstances, like droughts, that eliminate all other food options.

The spots that bloom on this distinctive plant can be purple, white, or yellow, though the color variation has no effect on its uses. Since its discovery as a method of Demiguise pain management, the plant has been studied further and has been found to be effective in pain relief applications as well as cures for blindness. However, as the plant is in quite short supply, it is difficult to advance further in its study or popularize its use. The sap in particular -- which is known as dragon’s blood -- seems to have positive effects on eyesight.

Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola)
Type(s) - tree.
Sunlight - partial shade.
Height range(s) - 50 feet (15 metres).
Flower colour(s) - red.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green, white.
pH - 6.0 to 6.5.
Water - do not overwater; water only when soil is dry; needs drainage.

Finally, while not a medicinal use, Demiguises are known to use the umbrella plant (the magical version, of course) to shelter themselves from rain as they sleep. They position it above their nest and while the rain drips onto it, the umbrella plant absorbs the moisture like a sponge, expanding as it does so, growing up to ten times its original size and holding gallons of liquid. While the waxy leaves may look like they would be more prone to repel water than absorb it, the magical species will soak up water like nothing else. However, because of close proximity, competition, and cross-pollination, a non-magical variety has developed over time, with the same overall look and growing specifications, but without the magical ability. This plant is simply called Schefflera arboricola vulgaris in order to differentiate it, though it is nearly impossible to tell it apart visibly without testing to see if it exhibits unnatural absorbent properties. One of the more helpful -- though not foolproof -- methods is to look for splotches of white on the plant’s leaves. While it is not a guaranteed sign of the plant being magical, there is a higher correlation of white colored leaves alongside magical abilities.

In terms of uses, besides soaking up additional moisture, the umbrella plant can cause rashes and relieve them and is used in Blood Clotting Cordials for those suffering from blood thinning complications. Additionally, there is some evidence that the flowers from the tree can be used to increase liver function, though because of scarce supply, much more testing needs to be done in this area.

Sweet Treats
Before we go, I’d like to leave you with a heart-warming mental picture and one last, bonus example of how Demiguises use plants in their everyday lives. Generally speaking, Demiguises are solitary creatures, with most groupings made up of females and recent offspring. However, when mating periods occur, a male and female Demiguise may spend large stretches of time together. During this time, the two creatures can often be seen sharing food resources. Typically, the courting male or female will offer up choice plants that are either very high in nutrients, very palatable, or have health benefits. While there is a wide range of plants that fall into this category and are used as mating offerings, we only have time to go over two additional plants today: the tongkat ali and the Twinkling Mangrove. In the past, kesusu was also frequently given as a consort offering, but with its increased rarity, as well as competition with Muggles and non-magical creatures, this is now less common. 

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
Type(s) -  tree.
Sunlight - partial shade.
Height range(s) - 33 feet (10 metres).
Flower colour(s) - red.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 5.8 to 6.8.
Water - moderate, when soil is moist.

Known more locally as longjack, this plant is known for its aphrodisiac properties, which is why it is not terribly surprising that it is commonly used in primate mating rituals. However, this is not its only use, as tongkat ali is actually one of the best studied plants we will cover today, at least by Western witches and wizards. Some of its myriad other uses include causing seizures and hallucinations, improving muscle tone, helping with upset stomachs, and removing worms and parasites that occupy the intestines of Demiguises and other creatures. Additionally, it has applications as a cough suppressant and in potions and herbal preparations to prevent and cure malaria. 

Twinkling Mangrove (Rhizophora luminus)
Type(s) - tree.
Sunlight - full sun.
Height range(s) - 80 feet (24 metres).
Flower colour(s) - pink.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 5.3 to 8.5.
Water - daily, must not dry out.

Not unlike the banyan tree or the strangling fig, the mangrove’s strength and hardiness come from its roots that start from the top down and can result in trees miles wide. Its flowers are an enticing pink and eventually grow into fruits that are even more entracing. The fruit of this plant is what gives this magical tree its name, as it will sparkle in the dark after collecting light from the sun. These plants are not only beautiful, but are highly nutritious for the creatures that eat them, and are therefore a bit of a delicacy.

Apart from primate mating rituals, the Twinkling Mangrove can be used in Luminescent Liquid, as it retains light and gives it off safely. However, because the fruit is hard to come by, often other substitutes are used. In addition, these plants are also used in both incendiary and fire-proofing potions as well as in traditional medicine to heal leprosy. The magical properties of this tree, while hard to miss, are easily explained away by Muggles, as this tree’s non-magical sibling (the average mangrove of Rhizophora luminus vulgaris) is known for housing fireflies.

Opportunities for More Research and Closing
As you may have noticed, the terms “rare,” “difficult to find,” “precious,” and other general hints at scarcity were recurring themes in this lesson, in addition to the fact that growing and care details were rather sparse or repetitive. This is not a coincidence. The areas where these plants grow -- mostly tropical and subtropical forests in Borneo, China, Malaysia, and other East Asian countries -- are in extreme danger from deforestation. Many of the plants covered in this lesson are endangered to the point where Muggles -- and even wizards -- are not entirely certain of their properties. One might wonder why I chose to cover so many plants with small populations and less certain uses. The answer, sadly, is that because these forests are so diverse and the danger to them is so great, nearly every species in these areas are endangered to some degree, and many of them are understudied. Fortunately, while the growing specifications may be vague, we do know the environments they favor: wet, rainy, humid areas, with soil typical to a rainforest -- usually just on the acidic side of the scale -- and differing light levels, depending on which level of the forest they are in.

Thus, raising and studying creatures like the Demiguise is not only an excellent opportunity for magizoologists, but also for herbologists, who can attempt to cultivate these plants for both the benefit of these creatures as well as for study and preservation. If herbologists like you and I work hard enough at it, we may yet be able to turn the tide for our planet. But, that’s a topic for another time! For now, please take your homework as you leave, paying special attention to the assignment to set up an appropriate environment for a Demiguise and the opportunity to research another magical herbivore’s diet.

Original lesson written by Professor Venita Wessex
Image credits here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here

Footnote:
1. To clarify, Demiguises are able to see the near future based on potential actions. Therefore, they can see themselves eating the plant and see their reactions (in some cases nothing, in some cases their symptoms being relieved). Particularly, when combined with their intelligence, this makes them very efficient self-medicators, as it speeds up the process of trial and error.