things about magical plants

[shrijnana]

No: HPFGUIDX 89133

Hi,

This is my first posting to this group, tho I've been reading for a
while. I did a degree in Biology a while back and the comment about
Mimbulus sent me looking for plants with a similar scientific name. 

>   Neville's favorite plant mimbulus mimbletonia is the only magical 
> plant that has a name that mirrors Lamrackian system, I mean the 
> scientific name of plants and animals.


There is a genus of plants called Mimulus. It sounded similar, so I
looked up its properties on a web site for healing plants: this is
what it has to say:

"[Mimulus]..is the remedy for known fears. In other words whenever you
are frightened of something or you are anxious about something, and
you can say what that something is, then Mimulus is the remedy to
take. Mimulus fears are everyday fears - fear of public speaking, of
the dark, of aggressive dogs, or of illness or pain.

Phobias such as the fear of spiders or of birds are also Mimulus
fears, since the cause of the fear can be named. Where the phobia is
very great so that the sight of a spider for example causes sheer
terror, then Rock Rose might be given as well as or instead of
Mimulus. And where the fear is diffuse and there is general anxiety
and apprehension without a specific named cause then Aspen is the
remedy to consider.

Mimulus is used as a type remedy for people who tend to be nervous,
timid and shy generally. Sometimes people of this type may blush
easily or stammer, and they will usually avoid social occasions and
any event where they will be in the limelight. Mimulus is the remedy
to encourage the quiet courage and strength that lies hidden in such
people, so that they can face the everyday trials of life with
steadfastness."

Uncle Algie gave Neville the plant at the beginning of OotP and
Neville seems much less fearful than in previous books. There's been
some speculation about Neville's family, but I think Great Uncle Algie
is definitely a good influence on Neville. It is interesting that
Mimulus only works for known fears... other plants are recommended
when the feared object cannot be articuluated. Any ideas what else
(besides Snape) Neville might know he is afraid of?

- Shrijnana