Basic Herbs and Fungi

 

 

GILLYWEED

Growing to a height of five to seven centimetres, this rare herb is native to the Mediterranean Sea. It grows in soil a moderately alkaline pH range, of 7.9-8.4, just above that of natural water. Like most weeds in the Giliac family, it requires little sunlight, but requires large amounts of water in order to thrive. Gillyweed has slimy characteristics, and is a dull grey-green in colour. Consumption of the weed by a human, will result in temporary gills forming on the user, allowing for breathing underwater, although preventing breathing above water. It also produces webs between toes and fingers, to aid in swimming. The effects last for about an hour in fresh water, but works best in salt water, lasting for up to three hours. Gillyweed also produces a synthetic refreshing feeling when consumed, by extent, increasing the popularity of gillywater. Gillywood, a believed cousin to the Gillyweed plant, is a tree which grows in water, and shares similar leaf patterns with gillyweed.

 

"How to make Gillywater:

Begin with either a pure water, or a juice. You will need a cucumber, as well as several sheaves of Gillyweed. Peel the cucumber, then cut it into long, relatively thin strips. Use the longest to tie the rest of the strips together. Pour whichever liquid you choose into the cup, and then add the cucumber. The longer you let sit, the stronger the cucumber taste. Right before drinking, add Gillyweed to the cup, and perhaps a chilling charm or ice cubes. Gillyflower may also be added if you like a little spice in your drink."
Extract from Hogwarts is Here First Year Herbology, Lesson Three: Basic Herbs and Fungi

 

VALERIAN ROOT/SPRIGS

Valeriana Officinalis possesses sedative powers, and is used in a number of sleeping potions, of differing strength. The root is also used in many calming droughts and potions. The mixed cherry/vanilla smell of the sprig is used in many perfumes, and the root is sometimes worn by grooms at weddings, to ward off elves. This custom is often practiced in the modern world, by wizards in Eastern Europe. The plant is native to Europe and Western Asia, but has migrated to North America. Growing to up to five feet, Valerian produces bunches of white flowers as it grows.  Seven hours of moderate to bright sunlight is required at minimum per day, to keep the plant healthy. When growing a new plant, root division and seeding are both effective methods. It grows best in soil with a very low pH, of 4.5-5.0, and should be planted just under the surface of the soil. Cats are attracted to the plant, and can easily damage it. Valerian root is best harvested in either the fall (Autumn) or in spring.

 

KNOTGRASS

Knotgrass is a symbolic, and commonly present plant at wizarding weddings, used frequently in the tying together of the bride and groom. In fact, it is used within polyjuice potions to assist one person to take the body of another. It is also used in Knotgrass Mead, a common appearance at weddings, and in some love potions Growing to around 5cm tall in nature, it has extremely irregular growth patterns, and can halt the growth of animals which consume it. Its uses in healing include the treatment of urinary tract infections, and fertility issues. It can grow in any soil with a moderately neutral pH (from 6.1 - 7.3), and needs a large amount of water. Its growth speed depends on the amount of sunlight it sees, flowering in the summer, with the colour varying between white, pink, and green, depending on the type. When done flowering, to continue growing knotgrass, one must cut below the area of the stem which produced the flowers. This plant is native to European forests, and is also present in Hogwarts' Forbidden Forest.