Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Mimbulus mimbletona====== =====Plant Information===== * **Type:** [[Magical Plants|Magical Plant]] * **Owners:** [[Neville Longbottom]] * **Origin:** Assyria (discovered by [[Algie Longbottom]]) =====Description and Appearance===== The //Mimbulus mimbletonia// is a very rare magical plant that resembles a small, grey [[cactus]]. Instead of spines, its surface is covered in boils, which are described as looking like small tumours. The overall appearance of the plant is said to be like that of a "badly squashed, diseased internal organ," and it pulsates slowly. When prodded or handled, the //Mimbulus mimbletonia// is known to make odd, crooning noises. =====Magical Properties and Usage===== The primary and most notable magical property of the //Mimbulus mimbletonia// is its unique and powerful defence mechanism. When it feels threatened or is provoked, the plant contracts and squirts a foul-smelling liquid from every one of its boils. This liquid, known as [[Stinksap]], is thick, non-poisonous, and dark green. Its odour is described as smelling strongly of rancid manure. While the [[Stinksap]] is harmless, its powerful and unpleasant smell makes it an effective deterrent. The plant is highly valued by some [[wizards]] and [[witches]] with an interest in rare flora. =====History===== The //Mimbulus mimbletonia// owned by [[Neville Longbottom]] was discovered in Assyria by his Great Uncle, [[Algie Longbottom]]. Great Uncle Algie gave the plant to Neville as a fifteenth birthday present in the summer of 1995. Neville was extremely proud of his new possession and brought it with him to [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] aboard the [[Hogwarts Express]] at the start of the school year. =====Role in the Story===== The //Mimbulus mimbletonia// is introduced in //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//. On the [[Hogwarts Express]], [[Neville Longbottom]] proudly shows the plant to [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Ginny Weasley]]. To demonstrate its unique property, Neville prods it with a [[quill]], causing it to spray [[Stinksap]] all over the compartment's ceiling and its occupants, including [[Luna Lovegood]] who entered at that exact moment. This event serves to highlight Neville's deep passion for [[Herbology]] and his growing confidence, even if the demonstration is clumsy. Later in the school year, the plant's name, "//Mimbulus mimbletonia//," becomes the password to the [[Gryffindor]] [[common room]]. The password was initially met with disgust by [[The Fat Lady]], but was later enthusiastically accepted by her temporary replacement, [[Sir Cadogan]], who considered it a "swashbuckling" name. =====Etymology===== The name //Mimbulus mimbletonia// is likely a combination of several roots. * **Mimbulus:** This could be derived from "mimble," an archaic word for muttering or mumbling, which may allude to the "crooning noises" the plant makes. It may also be related to the Latin //mimus// ("mime" or "imitator"), perhaps because it imitates a [[cactus]]. * **mimbletonia:** The suffix does not have a clear origin and likely serves to create a whimsical, botanical-sounding name befitting the [[Wizarding World]]. The "tonia" element could be a play on "tonic," referring to a medicinal substance, though the plant's sap is not known to be used in this way. =====Behind the Scenes===== * The //Mimbulus mimbletonia// scene from the [[Hogwarts Express]] is included in the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//. In the film, its appearance is a pulsating, bulbous plant that Neville holds in a pot. (film) * The plant makes an appearance as an interactive object in the //LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7// video game. (video game)
