Hello!
Welcome to Part 2 of Chapter 5 analysis where we will cover all things plants!
The format will look a bit different because there is a lot to go over!
If you're looking for tea analysis and other details → Part 1.
Please note, as of the date of this posting, I have only read up to Chapter 31. This analysis may not be the most accurate or relevant.
DISCLAIMER: This is all meant for fun, these thoughts are purely based on personal observations and a bit of research. It is not intended as criticism or critique in any shape or form. I have no idea if these are inadaze22‘s intentions and any confirmation(s) from her will be noted. If you have corrections or inputs, do send them my way. All I ask is that we are kind to one another.
Spoilers ahead! You have been warned!
The Plants: The fruits mentioned in this chapter likely serve no significance, but here is some over-analyzing and over-reaching.
Dwarf Mango
Has direct connection to the Hindu goddess, Saraswati who is known as the Goddess of knowledge, speech, wisdom, learning, etc. (traits are of similar resemblance to Hermione)
The Vasant Panchami festival celebrates Saraswati, and involves the offering of mango leaves.
Families often mark the day of the festival by helping their young children learn how to write the letters of the alphabet and create music (foreshadowing to Hermione helping Scorpius to communicate?)
Fig
This is a massive stretch and something I stumbled upon: The Qur'an has a "chapter" that begins with "By the fig and the olive", perhaps this will allude to another plant in later chapters. (Source: Wikipedia, don't come for me)
In Greco-Roman culture, it's associated with fertility *wink wink nudge nudge* (I'm sorry this fact was too good to pass off)
Lemon
This is the fourth time it has been mentioned, so it's nearly been mentioned in every single chapter and Hermione clearly has a fondness for it (perhaps other characters also share this same appreciate for it....)
It is often associated with friendship, love, and purification, which are central themes of this fic. If going with the order of things, it directly alludes to the story arc and sets the trajectory for Hermione's relationships.
In terms of tea, lemon cuts the bitterness of black teas to bring a brighter tone. Similarly, both Hermione and Draco are likely to enter into each other's lives and bring something new into their respective lives.
Orange
It's not specified what type of orange Hermione has planted, but it's safe to assume that its meant for consumption and her tea blends.
Hermione mentions that it's for the kids, maybe Scorpius will like them too? (This is for the Tangerine Twins and The Child Protection Agency)
Pear
No thoughts just another quote I pulled off the pear Wikipedia page about the first mention of pears in literature: "Therein grow trees, tall and luxuriant, pears and pomegranates and apple trees with their bright fruit, and sweet figs, and luxuriant olives." (Please note the presence of figs and olives, thank you!)
Abyssinian Shrivelfig
Used in Shrinking Solution (foreshadowing?)
Used in Elixir to Induce Euphoria, which also uses peppermint to counteract side effects (reference to Draco Malfoy creating the potion in 3rd Year; unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Akra (Calotropis gigantea)
Produces biochemicals that can help with germination and growth of many agricultural plants (Hermione likely uses this to speed up plant growth aside from magic)
Specific strains can be used as poison (I highly doubt this fact will be seen in the fic, but it's a fun fact to run with)
Used in traditional medicine to treat neurological disorders, although this has limited scientific finding (perhaps this plant will be used in one of Narcissa's potions)
Asphodel
Part of the lily family
Associated with death and gloom, and Persephone the Greek goddess (foreshadowing to potential character death, and issues that Hermione and others must face in the Ministry?)
Used in Draught of Living Death, which places an individual into a deep slumber (foreshadowing?)
Used in Vitamix Potion, which briefly provides a boost in energy and sharpens reflexes (foreshadowing?)
Dittany
Used in healing potions (foreshadowing)
Used in Wiggenweld Potion, which is an antidote to the Sleeping Draught and Draught of Living Death, and also requires the use of mint (foreshadowing?)
Kava
Used for her teas (refer to Chapter 3 → tea analysis)
May also be used in Narcissa's potions because of the sedative properties
Ipecacuanha
Archaic scientific term
A Muggle drug that uses this plant to cause induced vomiting was discontinued in 2010 (unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Leaping Toadstools
Used for Baruffio's Brain Elixir, which supposedly increases brain size but can cause detrimental brain damage if brewed incorrectly (unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Neem
Potentially toxic, and a weed in some regions
Used for Fergus Fungal Budge, which is used to treat ringworm infections (unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Wormwood
Used as flavouring in spirits and wines
Used in Draught of Living Death (foreshadowing?)
Used in Elixir to Induce Euphoria (unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Used in Shrinking Solution (foreshadowing?)
Used in Vitamix Potion (foreshadowing?)
Used in the Healing Potion in the 2010s by the Statue of Secrecy Task Force (parallel to Terrorist Task Force?)
Bits and Pieces: This section is going to a collection of small details and such that I found to be interesting in their wording and meaning. There’s many ways to interpret them, but for this one I’m just going to leave them here. Maybe I’ll come back and do a full analysis later on.
"Halia" (*cue the tears)
"self-partnering" (refer to Emma Watson's interview for Beauty and the Beast)
"except for a twitch in his jaw and a glimmer of what looked like an odd mix of curiosity and suspicion"
🌱 This marks the end of the plant analysis, and bits and pieces section. 🌱
Thank you for coming along for the ride! Hope you enjoyed and see you on the next one! :)
-C
In case you missed the previous posts:
Chapter 1 → review
Chapter 2 → review
Chapter 3, Part 1 → review
Chapter 3, Part 2 → tea + plant analysis
Chapter 4, Part 1 → review
Chapter 4, Part 2 → tea analysis + other details + bits and pieces
Chapter 5, Part 1 → tea analysis + other details









