SHRIVELFIG

Chapter 34

Shrivelfig. Classified as a fruit, this plant grows best in Abyssinia (Muggles know the country as Ethiopia). Everything about the plant is purple, from its skin and fruit to its blossom and liquid. Shrivelfigs grow on trees or shrubs, up to a height of ten meters. Its roots are known as aggressive, meaning that they grow very firmly into the ground and can thus survive wintry weather. This plant is also known to be able to survive seasonal droughts. Every autumn the Shrivelfig disposes of its leaves. The fruit of the Shrivelfig is also a flower, and is harvested by skinning the plant. Shrivelfigs was one of the first plants Herbologists cultivated to grow in wizarding greenhouses. One cause of this is the nutritional value of the fruit, which is very high in fiber, manganese and magnesium. Calcium, iron, and vitamin K are also present in a high degree. Shrivelfigs may be given to children, and have laxative, demulcent (reduces inflammation), and depurative properties. They are also known to clear mucus build up. The liquid may be used as an emollient to soften the skin, or in a wart removing potion. If you have nothing else to do, Shrivelfigs may be utilized in a jam. Shrivelfigs are also in shrinking potions. SOMETHING EXTRA - When do you prune a plant? Well, usually this depends on what the plant classification is. Fruit and flowering plants usually prefer to be pruned in their dormant season, which is usually the winter. They should never be pruned right before winter, as their buds may not heal over in time before the frost. Do not EVER prune an evergreen tree, as you will put it into great distress. Repeat this line aloud: I will never prune an evergreen tree, no matter what happens. Thank you. Already I feel better. Perennial plants require the most work, as they will need to be pruned as soon as the flower is fading. Now, for tools, sharp and clean is the way to go. Sharp tools will mean less work for you, and an easy cut that will heal the plant faster. Think of it this way, would you rather be scratched with a needle prick, or a jagged nail? Also, you can spread diseases from branch to branch and plant to plant if you don't keep things clean. Pruning is a relatively simple process, which can be your saving grace for keeping a greenhouse healthy. Use your hands (if safe) to check for dead leaves, flowers, or limbs. Remove them with your pruning shears or hand shears. Some dead leaves may fall at your touch. If you can, branches should be cut where they join stems. If a new bud is forming, you should cut below that. Make your cuts facing away from you, and flush with the limbs. Where you make your cuts is where your plant is going to grow thicker, and fuller, so make sure to trim evenly around. When you finish pruning, it is important that you give the plant more fertilizer and place it out of the line of direct sunlight until healing begins. If possible, place the plant in its original location, where it will be the most comfortable. Things to watch for especially with Shrivelfigs: withered leaves (usually a dark purple), dead twigs (where no leaves are growing), and infested figs (with yellow spots).