Laminus Blossom
By Charisma Glass
   The Laminus Blossom, native to China, is a large shrub with colorful fragrant flowers that is often planted to attract wildlife, but more importantly, provide a solution for those afflicted with the "Eat Slug" Curse. The Laminus Blossom is known to spread from garden to garden, and has become invasive in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and parts of the United States. The plant spreads in disturbed areas by numerous wind and water dispersed seeds from plants that can reach maturity in less than one year.
   In invaded areas, such as New Zealand, the Laminus quickly colonizes riversides, facilitates succession, and has aggressive growth that out-competes colonization by native vegetation. Studies of infestations in New Zealand have found that the Laminus is relatively short lived with the greatest infestation densities occurring in the first 10 years. By the time the plant is about 15 years old, densities of infestations lessen.
   While various agriculturists and farmers may find problems with this plant, to declare it as unimportant and even bothersome would be an incorrect exclamation. It is well known that the plant has roots that are so thick and powerful, that it is impossible for any muggle machinery to rip it from the soil. But, as it happens, the pores found along the roots emit a gel like substance that nurture and fertilize the soil. But, sadly, because the roots stretch so far below the surface, (sometimes reaching a good 15 feet down) it is impossible to remove the plant without the aid of magic. This is why it is common to see this plant spread sporadically through a wizard or witches garden.
   As previously mentioned, the Laminus blossom is a great asset to curing the "Eat Slugs" curse. The process of making the needed potion is quite simple, though very precise. First, once harvested, the thick roots of the plant must be severed exactly two inches from the sturdy stalk. Next, the roots are to be combined in a cauldron over an open flame, mixed with a raw egg, as well as the leaves found from the Steel Stem. (That was a wonderful lesson, by the way) Once these three ingredients are combined with four cups of water, and placed over the open flame until reaching a rolling boil, the potion is made and thus, another poor individual will be saved from spewing slugs.
   The original discoverer of this wonderful potion was Laranssa Beeswick. Having known the curing powers of the Steel Stem, and noting the natural vitality of the Laminus Blossom, the intelligent witch decided to conduct an experiment. Various ingredients were tested with the combination of the two plants, and after exactly 247 tries, the final mixture of the egg, Steel Stem, Laminus Blossom, and 4 cups of water proved to be the winner. Had this inquisitive witch given up on the first hundred or so tries, the medical community would be lacking a wonderful contribution that has helped to heal several unlucky patrons.