Foxgloves, Fairy Rings and Other Magical Plants Quiz

Answer: Mushrooms

Also known as pixie rings or elf rings, fairy rings are formed by the outward underground growth of the mycelium (or body) of mushrooms in an arc or circle. As it grows, the mycelium consumes all the nutrients in the soil. The existing grass or vegetation on the surface then dies of starvation leaving a ring known as the necrotic zone. The fruiting bodies of the fungus, the mushrooms, push upwards at the edge of the ring and appear above ground in the shape of a circle. There are approximately 60 different species that exhibit this growth pattern and the best known one is the Fairy Mushroom (Marasmius oreades) which can form rings over 300 metres in diameter.

Fairy rings feature significantly in folklore and legend and almost all cultures have a variation of a legend involving them. In Germany they are known as "Hexenringe" (witches' circles) and are thought to arise on the site where witches dance on Walpurgis Night. In France they are called "ronds du sorciers" (sorcerer's rings) and Dutch legend has it that they mark the spot where the devil placed his milk churn. In Celtic legend, they are believed to be caused by fairies dancing at night and it is considered bad luck to tread on them. Since many species of mushroom are poisonous, it is thought that the legends regarding fairy rings may have arisen to stop people from touching or eating them.

Answer: Mistletoe

The name mistletoe originally referred to the European mistletoe (Viscum album), a hemi-parasitic plant native to Europe which grows on trees and shrubs. In North America, mistletoe also refers to the Eastern mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinium). A small woody shrub, mistletoe has oval evergreen leaves and produces dense clusters of waxy white berries in winter. It relies on birds to disperse its seeds and its name is thought to derive from the Anglo-Saxon "mistel" (dung) and "tan" (twig) which refers to bird droppings on tree branches. The seeds in the droppings attach themselves to the branches of the host tree where they then penetrate the bark by means of a "haustorium", an appendage which allows the plant to absorb the nutrients it requires.

With its glossy leaves and white berries, mistletoe is highly sought after as a Christmas decoration. The origin of the custom of kissing under the mistletoe is vague but it is thought to relate to mistletoe's ability to provide fertility which made it sacred to the ancient Druids. It forms part of the "kissing bough", a traditional English Christmas decoration. Another explanation comes from Norse mythology where it is closely associated with Frigg, the goddess of love. An arrow made from mistletoe was used to kill her son, Balder. At her request, he was restored to life and the arrow was given to Frigg for safekeeping. She ordered that everyone who passed beneath the arrow should receive a kiss to indicate that mistletoe had become a symbol of love, not hate.

Mistletoe features heavily in the mythology of many cultures. Greek tradition believes that it is the "golden bough of Aeneas" while French legend has it that the mistletoe is parasitic because it was growing on the tree used to make the cross of Christ. It was then cursed and forever denied a place on earth.

Answer: Thyme

Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low growing perennial which is a member of the mint family. Hardy and versatile, thyme has small grayish green oval leaves with tiny pink flowers appearing in summer. It prefers a sunny position, well drained soil and is drought tolerant. There are over 100 different varieties of thyme with the most common being garden thyme and lemon thyme. The name originates from the Greek word "thymon" which means "to fumigate" which refers to thyme's antiseptic and healing properties. It is one of the three herbs that make up a traditional "bouquet garni" which is used in French cooking.

The use of the magical properties of thyme can be found as far back as 3000BC when the Sumerians used it as an antiseptic and it was one of the herbs used by ancient Egyptians in the embalming process. It was used extensively by the Greeks to endow their warriors with bravery, strength and vigour. In medieval times, thyme was added to the scarves of knights to increase their valour. Folklore has it that fairies love thyme and that drinking thyme tea will enable you to see them. Placing a sprig of thyme under your pillow is said to banish nightmares and sweeping floors with a broom to which thyme has been added will banish negative energy from a home. In "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Shakespeare has both Titania and Oberon associated with thyme and in his poem, "The Flowers", Robert Louis Stevenson mentions fairies bravely climbing in thyme.

Answer: Elderberry

The European black elder (Sambucus niger), also known as the elderberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree which is widely cultivated as a garden plant. Growing to about six metres tall, it has long serrated leaves with white flowers borne late in spring. These are followed by large clusters of dark purple to black berries in the autumn. It is said that the tree was the favourite of the Greek physician, Hippocrates, as all parts of the tree can be used in medicine. Elderberry has been used to fight fever, influenza, for treating allergies and promoting respiratory health. The flowers are used to produce elderflower cordial and, as its name suggests, in the liqueur, Sambuca.

In folklore, the elderberry has always been associated with witches and is known as the "witches' tree." Planting one is said to ward off evil and keep the witches away. Some cultures prohibited the cutting or burning of elders and there is a Wiccan rhyme which states that "Elder be ye lady's tree, burn it not or cursed ye'll be!" It is said that if an elder is cut down or damaged, a spirit know as the Elder Mother is released to take revenge. An elder may only be safely cut while chanting to the Elder Mother. In Norse and Teutonic myth, the black elder is sacred to the goddess Hulda and the goddess of witchcraft, Freya, is believed to have dwelt in an elder tree. The Danish name for the elder is Hyld after the queen of the fairies.

Answer: Foxglove

Common foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) are herbaceous biennials (or short lived perennials) that are a favourite with gardeners for the multitude of thimble shaped blooms which appear in the spring to midsummer of their second year. Growing best in shady, moist conditions, foxgloves grow to a height of about two metres and carry their flowers on tall spikes in a number of pastel shades. Their name derives from the fingerlike shape of the flowers which have speckled throats. It is said that these speckles on the flowers occur where fairies have placed their fingers.

References to foxgloves abound in both mythology and folklore and their original name was "folks' glove" referring to fairy folk. It is thought that folk could also refer to the Picts, who were among the first to know of the healing powers of foxgloves. The plant is highly poisonous and the saying goes that foxgloves "can raise the dead and can kill the living". They are the source of digitoxin which has been used through the ages in the treatment of heart disease. An old name for the foxglove was "doctor foxglove" as plants that grew near to them were found to be stronger and more disease resistant.

The Norwegian name for them is "Revbielde" which means foxes' bells. Scandinavian legend has it that the fairies taught foxes how to ring foxglove bells to warn each other of approaching hunters.

Answer: Rowan

The European rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is a small, deciduous tree which usually grows in mountainous regions. Also known as the mountain ash, although it is not a member of the ash family, the rowan grows to a height of 10 - 15 metres. It has long slender leaves and produces blossoms of creamy white in spring. Bright red berries follow in autumn. The name rowan is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "raun" which means "getting red" referring to both the red berries and the colour its leaves turn before falling. However, it has also been suggested that it could come from the Norse word "rune" which means magic.

The rowan is steeped in magic and mythology in many cultures. In Finnish folklore, when the earth was bare of plants, the goddess Rauni took the form of a rowan tree. She then mated with Ukko, the god of thunder, and all the plants and trees of the earth came from this union. The rowan is the one of the most sacred trees in Scottish folklore and is associated with St Brighid, the patron of arts, health, spinning and weaving. In both Scotland and Ireland, spindles and spinning wheels were traditionally made of rowan wood. The druids called it the "tree of the bards" because it was thought to offer the gift of inspiration to poets and musicians. Rowan charms, twigs tied with red thread, were commonly placed over doorways to keep evil spirits at bay and offer protection from witches.

Answer: Red Spider Lily

The red spider lily (Lycons radiate) is a bulbous perennial which originated in China. A member of the Amaryllis family, it has the peculiar trait of never having flowers and leaves at the same time. Its blooming period usually coincides with the height of the hurricane season as it will not begin to flower until after heavy rainfall. This has led to it being called the hurricane lily. Bright red flowers are held on stalks about 12 inches high and have long filaments that give it a spidery look. As the flowers die, the leaves emerge from the top of the flower bulb. They have a distinctive white stripe down the middle of the long strap-like leaf.

The red spider lily features quite prominently in Japanese folklore where it is known as "Higanbana", the flower of loss. It is the subject of the legend of the elves. Two elves, Manju and Saka, were tasked with guarding only the flowers (Manju) or the leaves (Saka). As these do not appear on the plant at the same time, they were destined never to meet. However, they defied the fates and met. They fell in love but, as punishment, they were separated and cursed never to meet again. Thus, the flowers and the leaves of the red spider lily will never appear at the same time. It is also called the resurrection lily as it is planted on graves as a tribute to the dead. However, because of its association with death, custom dictates that it should never be given as part of a bouquet.

Answer: Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) which is also known as Thai basil or sweet basil is an annual sun-loving herb. It is part of the mint family and grows to about half a metre in height. The large, highly aromatic green or purple leaves have a spicy almost clove-like aroma. They sometimes have a puckered or crinkled appearance. Small white or pink flowers are borne in autumn.

The origin of its name is uncertain, but one school of thought holds that it could be a shortened version of "basilisk" as the plant was considered to be an antidote to the basilisk's poison. This could explain why basil is closely associated with scorpions in certain cultures. It was believed that if a sprig of basil was left under a pot, it would turn into a scorpion. Another tradition has it that smelling basil would bring a scorpion into your brain. It is also a sacred herb in India where it is associated with Vishnu. Legend holds that Vishnu's wife, Tulasi, took the form of a basil plant when she came to earth. In Italy the herb is considered to be a love-token and is given the name of "kiss-me-Nicholas" in certain regions.

Answer: Hawthorn

The common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a small tree with dark green leaves and is characterized by the dense thorns along each branch. This makes it ideal for use in hedges and barriers. In late spring it bears a profusion of white flowers which has led to it being called the mayflower. It also bears a number of small oval fruits known as haws which turn dark red in late summer and early autumn. Haw is the Old English word for hedge.

The hawthorn is considered to be one of the most magical trees and English folklore holds that Joseph of Aramathea came to England on a pilgrimage. His walking staff was made from hawthorn and when he struck it upon the ground, it took root and a hawthorn tree known as the Glastonbury Thorn appeared. It is also believed that the crown of thorns worn by Jesus was made from hawthorn. In Ancient Greece, it was associated with Hymen, the god of marriage and bridal torches were made from hawthorn. The Romans used it as a charm against witchcraft. Another name given to the hawthorn is hag thorn as it was believed that witches' brooms were made from its branches.

Answer: Monkshood

Monkshood (Aconitum napellus) is one of the most toxic plants on earth and it has been dubbed the "queen of poisons". Also known as aconite, wolfsbane and devil's helmet, it is a hardy, erect perennial of the buttercup family which has dark green glossy leaves. It bears clusters of dark blue flowers held on erect spires. The plant takes its name from the shape of its flower which resembles the cowl of a monk's hood and which is designed to attract bees. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

As is the case with most poisonous plants, monkshood is steeped in folklore and mythology. Legend has it that Monkshood originated when Hercules brought the three-headed dog, Cerberus, from the underworld and the foam dripping from his fangs fell on the ground and monkshood sprang up. The plant is sacred to Hecate, the goddess of the moon, witchcraft, and magic who is said to be the mother of all witches and who first taught women witchcraft. It was believed to be an essential ingredient in the "flying ointments" witches would use to enable them to fly. It is also the poison Romeo used to kill himself in "Romeo and Juliet".