The Mandrake (mandragora)

The Mandrake, common European countries, is shaped like a parsnip with wrinkled roots in the shape of a being. Above ground, it grows from between 5 cm to 40 cm , and resembles tobacco plants. The Mandrake grows well around ground where men have been hung, The Mandrake causes hallucinations, comas, and puts people into dreamlike states. It is used in sleeping potions, love potions, and also in a potion to revive a petrified person.

Uprooted mandrakes have the ability to cause death with their screams. This is known to be a defence mechanism to prevent the depletion of their plant species. As soon as the mandrake has caused the death of one being, its screams cease. The expectation is that it will have been dropped and is able to re-root itself in the ground. It is unknown why the mandrake is only able to scream until it causes its first and only fatality.

, a new method to uproot fully grown mandrakes which do not involve death. Recently (1954) Potioneer Amaradus Spencer discovered a potion which would prevent the need for a death to cease a mandragora's screams. Wear ear muffs when uprooting, and as soon as the plant is out of the dirt submerse it in an aquatandisu potion. The plant will thrash for several seconds, and then it will cease all movement. At this time the plant is ready for harvesting and will not scream. (Please note that you cannot replant after submersion).

Basic repotting of a Mandrake: To re-pot a mandrake, wear ear muffs and dragon-hide gloves, and use medium to heavy soil. The concentration of water should be equal to 3/4ths of the plants approximate weight.

FIRST AID

If a person slips into a coma from contact with a mandrake, wash the spot of contact and immediately send for a trained healer to administer a tandisu injection.

There is no reversal to death by the Mandrake's scream.

                                                  Devil's Snare (Dassin sanate)

Natural to Scottish highlands and lowlands, Devil's Snare will grow in all dark and damp areas. Recognizable features include swaying plant tendrils and the vivid green. Dassin sanate attacks when one's back is turned, asleep, or already in its grasp. The more you struggle against its strangulation, the quicker it kills you. (For first aid, remember that the plant hates heat and light. Incendio, Lumos Maxima, etc may be used) When a victim relaxed, the plant assumes death, and drops the victim.

Devil's Snare is used to guard objects, assassinate enemies, or as a distraction. There is no seed to grow devil's snare; it must be collected though wit and intellect. To safely grow Devil's Snare after collection, surround the area full of light so it will not spread beyond where you intend it to reach. There are some ethical concerns in regards to using Devil’s Snare around muggles, as they have no knowledge or way to protect themselves. In ancient days, as many as 3 000 muggles died every year due to witches and wizards protecting their treasure and property. Today, the Ministry of Magic has laws governing where Devil’s Snare may be located. (Not within 1 000 meters of anywhere muggles frequent).

FIRST AID

In an emergency situation, treat the person for strangulation and suffocation. Rennervate, a reviving spell, may be useful, or Anapneo if they ended up choking on their own tongue.

                                                            the Bubotuber

Also from Scotland, the Bubotuber looks like a giant black slug. When squeezed, it releases gas-scented yellow pus. The pus treats acne, but must be diluted before it is safe. Undiluted Bubotuber pus causes rashes and burns on contact. Muggles classify the pus as corrosive, although none of them are aware of where it comes from.

To grow Bubotuber, one must plant a bulb in dark, nutrient rich soil. Bubotuber requires very little sunlight, and can stand very cold weather. Dragon dung is recommended for fertilizer, and lots of it!

To dilute the pus, either mix with dittany in liquid form or Gillywater. The pus is also able to lose its scent over time.

FIRST AID

Cleanse wound for five minutes under clean cold water, before applying dittany. It is recommended that one also take a potion for the pain.