HERB-401 Lessons

Year Four, Lesson Eight 
Professions and Plants

Introduction
Today we’re going to take a closer look at the research side of herbological professions. Not only is it a profession in and of itself, but research also plays an important role in nearly every herbological calling. More specifically speaking, today’s foray into professions takes us around the world -- figuratively, anyway -- to Iraq. We’ll be talking about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, a research facility and one of the last ancient wonders of the world. You will be aware of some of the details of this locale if you take Ancient Studies this year; however, most of the information here will be different from such course, as our focus is on the vegetation and the herbologists who study it. Ah, I can see you’re as eager as I am to get started! Let’s get to it.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon
I see looks of confusion from some of you. Yes, Muggleborns will note that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are supposed to be a long-destroyed and forgotten ancient wonder of the world. However, this is not the case! I’ll leave the history to Professor Salvatrix, but suffice it to say that it still exists today in all its splendour. In fact, the hanging gardens have only grown since they were first established in 600 B.C.E. and are home to not one garden, but a set: six tiers and eight separate climate zones. Confused? Perhaps this diagram will assist. 

As you can see, the problem of appropriate environmental conditions that we often run into as herbologists is no concern at all in this research facility! There is a place for everything, and every plant has its place. Even nocturnal plants are catered to, as sections without light exist in each climate zone as necessary. Water is supplied from the topmost tiers through an ingenious system of spellwork and irrigation so that no area is without. It is truly top-of-the-line.

One thing that you may not be able to discern from the image above is the sheer size of the facility. The bottom level covers an area over 100 square miles, in a perfect circle. Each tier that stacks on top is slightly smaller than the last, meaning that the tier known as the “meadowlands” is the largest. Quite the extensive project, no? Speaking of the meadowlands, you may be wondering exactly what kind of climate this tier houses. In truth, it is not its own climate area, just the “welcome wagon” of the facility, so to speak. Since it is the ground floor and the easiest area to accidentally access -- mistakes do happen, as we all know -- it was considered prudent to keep all the more dangerous plants in the higher levels. Therefore, the meadowlands level contains a mish mash of many different kinds of plants that are safe for even a Muggle to stumble in, see, and encounter. Though, in truth, it is most similar to the temperate zone, if one had to compare it to anything.

The Study of Life and Everything
Because it is such a well set-up, well-funded facility, this is one of the most prominent places for herbologists to work. It comes with a fair amount of prestige, though you’ll find few that are truly there for renown. Instead, it is the opportunity for research that is so enticing. Anything you could dream of can be studied there, due to the gardens’ ability to replicate every single biome on the planet. And when I say anything, I do mean anything. At any given time, there are hundreds of herbologists on staff studying new properties, growing conditions for unknown plants, potions to improve growth or output, new magical abilities, and everything in between.

Although the possibilities seem endless, there are some limits. It is not just an intellectual free for all! Each academic venture must be proposed formally and approved by the board that governs the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. There is only so much funding available. Some projects may not be compatible, and some may be more important than others. It is up to the board to prioritize which projects are approved and when. After all, Uric the Oddball could propose a project to attempt to train parrot plants to recite the alphabet backwards, and request the aid of 75 other herbologists to perform it. Meanwhile, Evie Fernstrick could suggest a plan to crossbreed a plant well-known to cure malaria so that it grows better and easier in tropical climates (an endeavor that would involve 100 herbologists working in sync). There very well might not be resources for both, and one is clearly of more value to the wizarding community at large!

Now, that doesn’t mean that pet projects are not welcome in the herbological community. Not at all! In fact, nearly every herbologist -- novice or esteemed professional -- has a side project or seven. However, these are simply conducted privately in their own homes or companies without multi-government funding. 

Where does the funding for the gardens come from, you ask? If you think back to the beginning of the year when I mentioned the Herbology High Commission, you’d be on the right track. Not only do they meet to decide on classifications and categorizations, but they also fund various herbological ventures. If you remember, the Herbology High Commission is made up of delegates from dozens of countries all over the world. Each member is a spokesperson for herbological studies in their countries, and it is up to them to allocate the finances to allow such work to be conducted at the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and other government-run research facilities across the world.

Relocating Endangered Species
One of the most noble ventures that the gardens attempt to achieve is the preservation of endangered species, magical or otherwise. Some plants that Muggles actually consider to be extinct are housed here, while researchers attempt to find ways to introduce them back into society and their natural environments. Sometimes it is only the ISoS that stands in the way, while other times the problem lies in the fact that the natural environment has collapsed or somehow become unable to support the plant life. Therefore, simply transplanting the greenery back into its normal environment would ultimately end in the same result. Whatever the reason, the plants, as well as many viable seeds for worst case scenarios, are held here until such time as they can be grown outside of captivity once more. In some cases, the research revolves around improving the plant’s viability in the wild or changing something about its genetic makeup, since the environment itself cannot be improved, but this is quite the complicated venture and, in fact, is our next topic.

Creating New Plants
Creating new species or varieties, magical or otherwise, is another key piece of the exploratory research conducted in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. It is also quite a tricky process. There is no one way to go about it; the process is bound to be different for each species and each study. However, the basics typically include crossbreeding a variety of species with the desired traits after careful study of their compatibility. If attempting to create a magical hybrid or new species, there may also be attempts to magically overload a plant via the excessive use of potions (whether related to plant care or not) as well as spells, causing a glut of magic that manifests in some way. Sadly, it is very difficult to predict how these experiments will turn out, and a dozen iterations of the same treatment can result in completely different outcomes. 

In most situations, the hybrids or new species created are to fill some need, like curing a disease, working in a potion without adverse side effects, creating a food source higher in nutrients, or imbuing a user with magical abilities. One such example of the last is the long ongoing attempt to develop a plant that can grant the ability to fly, largely through the use of Billywig parts and various levitation and flight charms. Unfortunately, there has been no success on this front, though on an interesting and hopeful note, I have been told they hope to have more success with their new approach, now that they have clearance to crossbreed plants with genetic material from Devnand Shakya’s gravity-resistant trees. 

Too Green To Be True
I don’t want to give you the idea that the gardens are a utopia, though. They are perilous. Because the staff is extensive and each team, or even person, has their own project in which they’re involved, there’s no way to know everything going on at any given time. There can be unimaginable dangerous projects around any corner, and that’s not to mention the fact that the gardens are rife with perilous plants and animals roaming around in their natural habitats. You are the interrupter and the intruder. Working in teams, or at least partners, is imperative here, and, in fact, trained curse-breakers (as well as the occasional retired auror and other professionals) are around at all times to serve as bodyguards so that researchers can properly focus on their work without fear.

Additionally, as mentioned, personal research is not typically allowed within the confines of the gardens. All things must be approved. While many people’s passions and pet projects fall within high-need and studiable areas and are able to be funded by the Hanging Gardens, this is not always the case. Because of this, many choose to either pursue independent research on the side or leave the facility frustrated. Take Ocamier Flintson’s extensive forays into asphodel for example. While the HGB was unwilling to provide funding for continued research into an already well-known plant with no proof that it would produce results, the wizard dedicated his life to it, and uncovered numerous additional uses. Thus, we are able to reap the benefits of his private study and, at least personally speaking, are quite thankful for witches and wizards like him!

Plant Examples
Now that we have gone over the basic functions and aims of the gardens, I would like to give you all a few examples of the extraordinary work that has come out of this haven over the years. The first of which is none other than silphium. Ah, you’ve not heard of it? Well, you’re in for a treat!

Worth Its Weight in Gold (Silphium)
Silphium was used widely throughout the Roman Empire for its myriad healing properties, but was long thought to be extinct by the third century C.E. That is until a patch of it was discovered in the last few years, hidden away in a valley in Italy. Small cuttings and seeds were brought back to the gardens for study and cultivation, and no fewer than 15 uses have been discovered! There are currently two other research proposals surrounding silphium: one to see if the plant has some well-hidden magical abilities we are not aware of, and another to attempt to stabilize the plant in other environments so that Muggles can be allowed to stumble upon it and use its inherent properties to their benefit, but obviously, one must be accomplished first!

As a special surprise, I have a sample of the plant here today, which Hogwarts has graciously been given to perform ongoing research to see if the plant can be grown or established elsewhere besides its native climate. As you can see, Ferulus panacea has striking yellow flowers in clusters forming an umbrella shape that reaches heights of two feet (60 centimetres). It seems to require a soil pH of 7.7 to 8.1 and gentle fertilization from Mooncalves as well as partial sun and regular watering. All-in-all, not impossible, though researchers wonder if these conditions might be optimized to produce better or different results.

This perennial herb has abounding uses, hence the latter half of its Latin name. Its roots have been discovered to be incredibly useful in combating digestive issues. Its fresh flowers have been used to ease symptoms of allergies with remarkable speed, and it is rumored that if a potion can be perfected, it will be possible to create a complete allergy cure. In addition, the blooms can treat and cure sore throats, coughs, and runny noses. When dried, it appears the blooms develop slightly different properties and can be used for skin issues, like warts and acne. Those working with the plant are confident that this is just the tip of the iceberg and that there are many more discoveries to come!

Clearing the Air (Smogwood)
The next, and last, plant of the day is one of the most ingenuitive plant problem solvers of this century. If you remember back to your First Year when we first discussed W.H.I.P.S. classes, you may recall a plant called Smogwood. This tree has been magically engineered to absorb large quantities of pollutants, irritants, and other forms of contamination from the air to the point where a dozen plants can make a significant improvement in quality of life for a small village. The first viable specimen was successfully bred over a decade ago, and they are now grown in greenhouses all over the world, in addition to being transplanted in many all-wizarding communities. Not only does it absorb contaminants from the air, but its roots have been further studied and been found valuable in two new potions. One of these is the Pollution Philter, which can clean and naturally decontaminate whatever it comes into contact with, essentially vanishing the contaminant such as oil on a Ramora who have run afoul of a spill or chemical waste dumped in a pit. It can be used in the Purification Potion as well, which is able to clear out bacteria and other small living organisms that make water unsafe to drink. 

With all of these benefits, you may be wondering why there isn’t one on every single street corner. If you were the sort of First Year that took meticulous notes, you may be noticing a problem. Why was Smogwood a Class A: Odorous plant if it absorbs contaminants? The answer, sadly, is that Smogwood is more of a prototype -- an excellent one, but still just a beginning. It does not work at one hundred percent efficiency and must “let off some steam,” so to speak. About five to seven percent of the pollutants absorbed by the tree out of the air are very slowly, but constantly, released back. Additionally, because it clears out so large an area, it can be purifying air from quite far away but be releasing it right next to you on a bench in the park. Not exactly something everyone wants in their backyard. More, the plants’ leaves become quite toxic after two or three years, and only worsen. Therefore, a five-year-old plant in a very polluted area may already have a W.H.I.P.S. toxicity rating of four, while another might only be a one. Still, it is an excellent start, and researchers are hopeful that they can improve upon the current genetic structure.¹

You may have noticed that I have not yet mentioned the plant’s physical description or growing specifications. There is a very good reason for that! This is one of the most ingenious continuing projects surrounding this plant. In an attempt to make the tree as versatile and useful as possible -- that is, able to be used in Muggle cities and all over the world -- Smogwood is actually not one type of tree at all. It is actually the name for a collection of plants that have the same magical filtering properties. Therefore, each species has its own appearance and growing conditions consistent with their original specification. The three current types that have been successfully stabilized and tested are Camptotheca purificatio, Ficus purificatio, and the original Cornus purificatio, and there are more on the way.²

Conclusion
There, a bit of a shorter lesson for all of you in preparation for your finals next lesson. Be sure to use your extra time wisely! My PAs and I are available to answer any burning questions or clear up any doubt. Next week, we will briefly cover one of the least glamorous, but most common professions among herbologists, alongside casual research. Until then, don’t forget to take your homework on the way out. In amongst the usual assignments is a chance to practice proposing your very own research topic!

Footnotes:
1. Another limitation is that the Pollution Philter and the Purification Potion cannot be introduced for Muggle use to solve their problems (even if the ISoS is skirted) because their end results still carry the same dangers for Muggles as regular potions. The effects are incredibly unpredictable.

2. The genus of the Latin name refers to the kind of plant, while the second name -- normally the name that indicates the species -- shows that it has the properties and abilities of Smogwood.

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