It is no mystery that Illusen is a well-known protector of Neopia’s natural environments, and over the years, her determination for a greener Neopia has never dwindled. Being an Earth Faerie does mean she has a hereditary connection to the lands, but her passion is not directly a result of this. She has always offered protection to Neopians wounded, ill, frightened or in danger, showing that her considerate nature is just who she is, and will continue to forever be. Illusen is a fierce advocate for kinder choices when it comes to the foods that Neopians are consuming, knowing all too well that in doing so, they are also making much healthier choices for themselves. Eating ‘greener’ is an easy and practical way to protect the Neopian lands whilst boosting their bodies with loads of nutrients they won’t necessarily find in other Neopian foods. This guide will highlight some of Illusen’s favourites, along with some readily available options throughout Neopia if you happen to be travelling. There is always a greener choice! Illusen has numerous speciality-made foods which are very popular and never disappoint. They are easily found and can also be purchased in bulk from a number of different vendors. In Meridell, Illusen’s favourite place, you will be able to find the famous Illusen Day Burger and Illusen's Green Goddess Potato Salad at Merifoods. For a shop that is housed in the land of the Wise King, one would think that there are some items for sale that are named after Illusen in Brightvale Fruits. Bad taste for naming their items aside, the fruits that you can buy there are all delicious and very good for you. Why not purchase one of each while you’re there? Go for the Assorted Brightvale Fruit Basket, and you’re all set. Maybe you could even buy a Fresh-Squeezed Grenelon Juice to drink on the road; the colour palette for that juice seems very on point. At the Bakery in the Neopian Bazaar there are countless goodies to choose from, both sweet and savoury.

Illusen is an Earth Faerie who is loved by many throughout Neopia and is a personal favourite of mine. She is warm, kind, and welcoming to those from all around. I believe that Illusen has many characteristics that people can emulate to help them be their very best. After much thinking, I have come up with the Must Have Items in Neopia to help you ‘Channel Your Inner Illusen.’ These items will help you look the part as well as act it. First and foremost, taking care of your hair like Illusen is an imperative step. If you want to have beautiful hair like Illusen you will absolutely need the items listed below: Adorable Illusen Wig Approximate Price: 1.2 million NP Item Description: Illusens signature hair but in a fashionable new way! While this new hairstyle can be a little on the expensive side, it is a beautiful way to revamp Illusen’s signature style. The colors are the same as the Illusen we all know and love, but in a new and refreshing style that will help you keep up with the latest fashion trends. Illusen Wig Approximate Price: 19,000 NP Item Description: If you ever wanted to have hair like the famous Earth faerie, now is your chance! If you are looking for a more traditional Illusen hairstyle, the Illusen wig is the way to go. This wig is how you achieve Illusen's classic look. Whether you decide on the Adorable Illusen Wig or the Illusen Wig, you cannot go wrong. Either one will help you resemble Illusen. My favourite is the new style, Adorable Illusen Wig. It gives you a fresh new look and is absolutely gorgeous. However, if you are wanting to keep your own hairstyle, you can still achieve the same color hair as Illusen by using Illusen Natural Hair Dye. Illusens Natural Hair Dye Approximate Price: 210 NP Item Description: Have you ever wanted similar locks to Illusen? Now is your chance! While staying true to your own style, this hair dye will still have you feeling like Illusen and give you a comparable look that is undeniable. Illusen Organic Replenishing Shampoo Approximate Price: 3,000 NP

Introduction As a novice botanist, walking through a forest can feel like a portal into an unknown world. A sea of green (although in Darigan wild areas, it's more purple and red than green) waves to you in the light breeze, all seemingly the same. But what if I told you that every plant holds secrets to be unlocked? The key is the study of botany. Just as one recognises a friend by their freckles, their laugh, or their fuzzy mop of hair, you can use a unique collection of traits to identify an unknown plant species. Start by looking for patterns and group species into categories based on their shared traits. It's just like a game of Hungry Skeith, where you keep the red, blue, and green jellies in their own bins. From there, continue separating each group until you're left with only one option. That's what we science lovers call a dichotomous key! I’ll describe each pattern with visual species examples. And as plant-loving Neopians use a lot of jargon, I'll be defining the terms that I use. Alternate vs Opposite branching Opposite - as the tree grows new branches, they form buds directly across from one another. This creates a "t" shape at every intersection. Alternate - as the tree grows new branches, they form buds diagonally from one another. Think of it like a zigzag pattern. Most trees in the tri-kingdom area (Darigan Citadel, Meridell, Brightvale, respectively) tend to have alternate branching. If a tree has opposite branches, that can be a good way of differentiating it from similar-looking species. The most prominent opposite trees are Maple, Ash, and Lupewood, the mnemonic of which is MAL. Red Maple in particular tends to have red buds and stems, and turns a brilliant scarlet in the fall. Ash can have greenish bark or look lichen-covered. And Lupewood is known for its large, white flowers with four (or sometimes five) petals.