Shylies are actually mushrooms. Through an amazing genetic episode they can speak. One finds Shylies, if at all, only in the forest, since they are much too shy to place themselves on a meadow. If a Shylie is discovered, it is mostly so surprising for it that it releases a frightful cry and usually falls over backwards. Shylies always grow alone since they are much too frightened of other Shylies. But practically every other organism is likewise a reason for Shylies to frighten themselves. To address a Shylie one has to practice much patience and extreme caution. If one asks them why they are so frightened they will never admit their jumpiness because they are much too shy. If a Shylie gets too startled it may pass out and stay unconscious for a few hours.