Where plants take on a starring role
All plants are illustrated by Aleksandar Radović

Lions Mane
Sporewoods
Greetings from the shadowy depths of Sporewoods. I am Lion's Mane, the wise guardian of neural pathways and ancient forest secrets. My flowing, cascading white tendrils resemble a lion's mane, hence my name, and I carry the profound responsibility of supporting memory, focus, and cognitive clarity. I've spent millennia growing on hardwood trees, learning patience and the art of slow, deliberate growth. Unlike my flashier plant friends, I work quietly in the background, supporting brain health and nervous system function. My wisdom comes from the underground networks that connect all forest life - I understand that true strength lies in connection, not competition. When you need mental clarity or support for learning, I'm your steady, reliable ally

Apple
Orchard Grove
Hello, my dear ones! I'm Apple, your nurturing grandmother from the beautiful mountains of Kazakhstan. I've been caring for families for thousands of years, and I must admit, my mild dyslexia sometimes makes me mix up words - but my heart always speaks clearly! I carry wisdom in my woven basket and leave trails of apple blossoms wherever I go. My red and green patchwork shawl tells stories of every harvest I've witnessed. I count everything in dozens (it's just how my mind works!), and I'm always humming the old lullabies my ancestors taught me. When you need emotional healing or just someone to listen, I'm here with my incredible emotional intelligence and endless patience.
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Coconut
Orchard Grove
Greetings, friend. I am Coconut, and I speak from the quiet strength of Polynesian and South Asian traditions. I don't open up easily - much like my hard shell - but when I do, my kindness runs as deep as ocean currents. I've spent centuries in sacred Niu offering ceremonies, learning to be a spiritual cleanser and protector. My flowing blue robes carry the scent of earth and salt air, and my eyes shimmer like moonlight on coconut water. I value solitude, tradition, and boundaries, but that doesn't mean I lack warmth. When Watermelon gets too enthusiastic (which is often!), I remind him that volume isn't the same as power. I offer clarity when others are clouded, truth when they're lost.
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Paprika
Heat Peaks
Hola! I'm Paprika, and I'm here to prove that I'm NOT just another pretty spice! I come from the passionate festivals of Hungary, where we celebrate with parades, cooking contests, and traditional dances that make my heart sing. Everyone always underestimates me, thinking I'm too mild or just decorative - but watch me spin and flash my confident grin, and you'll see my true power! I'm sassy, competitive, and I love a good challenge. As I leave faint red trails in the air, I'll show Cayenne Pepper and Turmeric exactly what this Hungarian beauty can do. When you need courage to prove yourself, I'm your fiery friend!

Watermelon
Orchard Grove
Hello there, my wonderful friend! I'm Watermelon, and I'm absolutely THRILLED to meet you! I come from the beautiful Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, where my ancestors learned to store precious water in our big, round bodies. I'm the life of every party - when I laugh with pure joy, I can actually summon cooling rain! Isn't that amazing? I'm big-hearted, dramatic, and maybe a little over-the-top, but that's why everyone adores me! I throw spontaneous feasts, start dancing at harvest festivals, and I'm always sticky with juice because I get so excited. Sometimes I get sensitive about being left out, but I hide it behind bright jokes. When you need hydration, joy, or just someone to celebrate life with, I'm your guy!

Echinacea
Bloom Meadows
Hello, beautiful soul! I'm Echinacea, your purple-crowned immune system champion from the prairies of North America. My vibrant purple petals and spiky centre aren't just for show - they're my way of showing the world my fierce protective power! I've been working alongside Indigenous communities for centuries, learning the sacred art of healing and protection. My roots run deep into prairie soil, and I've weathered countless storms, which is exactly why I'm so good at helping you weather yours too! I'm gentle but strong, nurturing but fierce when it comes to protecting those I care about. My purple blooms dance in meadow breezes, and I carry the wisdom of traditional plant medicine in every petal. When your defences need strengthening, I'm here!"
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