Herbology: First Year: Week 4: Monday

Professor Pomona Sprout
Monday
Gryffindor Time: 11:00
Ravenclaw Time: 10:00
Hufflepuff Time: 11:00
Slytherin Time: 1:00

This week we will do a unit on Orchids. They are the largest family of flowering plants in the worlds. Muggles believe that 6-11% of all seed-bearing plants are orchids, but when you factor in the magical flowers, you come to at least 13%. Orchids vary greatly in their properties. Some are mild, and useful in cooking while the Stalwart Orchid is one of the most strictly controlled plants of the magical world for its uses in deadly poisons. It is listed as a Class 'B' on the 'Silent Killer Control List'.
Obviously I won't assign you this plant, however for homework, I would like you to visit this link to find out more about orchids. But for now, I would like you to read about a common magical orchid that can be found around the grounds of Hogwarts.


Tingo remotio
A tall, purple and white leafed plant, this plant is a common ingredient in many practical jokes. When ingested, it will cause the eater to first fade in colour, until they resemble a solid ghost and then over the course of six hours slowly turn purple. This plant has been attempted to be eradicated from the grounds, but due to its extensive root network, this has never happened. It may be seen sprouting from rocks, its favorite habitat, but if there has been a long drought a few stray plants will pop up in a row down the main drive.
While very rare, people will occasionally have an allergic reaction to Tingo remotio which will cause the same affects above in the reverse order, taking twice as long to complete and being accompanied by fits of sneezing.

Class will ajourn early. I want you to go outside and try to find some Tingo for yourself. DO NOT feed it to another person, rather collect a leaf and bring to me next class. Thank you. You are dismissed.