Shaymin is a Grass type Mythical Pokemon introduced in Generation IV. While it is not known to evolve into or form another Pokemon, Shaymin has a second form activated by using a Gracidea flower in the daytime. Its original form, Land Form, will then become the Grass and Flying type Sky Form. Shaymin’s Sky Form will revert into and remain in its land Form during the night or when frozen. Other circumstances may also cause it to revert.

Shaymin was officially revealed in February 2008, when it was listed as a star of Giratina and the Sky Warrior. In early June of the same year, its Sky Form was revealed. Take a look below for 26 interesting and amazing facts about Shaymin.

1. Shaymin is a small, white hedgehog like Pokemon.

2. In Land Forme, it has green grass-like fur on its back and a pink flower with two leaves on each side of its head, which resembles the Gracidea flower.

3. Several Gracidea-like flowers also appear on its back whenever it feels comfortable, but when it senses an impending danger, it rapidly hides it back.

4. Its legs are short and its underside is plump.

5. Shaymin is the smallest Mythical Pokémon to date.

6. In Sky Forme, it has a slender, canine appearance like that of a small reindeer. The fur on its back becomes a mohawk, and it has a red flower petal on the left side of its neck, resembling a scarf or cape. It has flat, white ears resembling wings, a small tuft of fur on the front of its neck, and a stumpy tail.

7. Shaymin will change into Sky Forme and back if it touches a Gracidea. It reverts to Land Forme at night or if it is frozen. Shaymin can instantly purify any polluted area of all impurities in the air and transform it into a lush field of flowers.

8. It takes in the polluted air, purifies it inside its body, breaks it down into water and light, and releases the purified substance in a violent, explosive burst. Its power varies based on the type of pollution absorbed. Shaymin can also communicate with telepathy and sense the gratitude of others.

9. Each season, Shaymin gathers with others in a flower field somewhere and migrates from there.

10. This behavior is called Flower Carrying because a new field of flowers grow where it lands.

11. Shaymin is also attracted to areas where there is a lot of gratitude.

12. Its personality is almost opposite with each form: in Land Forme, it is shy and easily scared, while in Sky Forme, it is courageous and playful.

13. If wet, it shakes itself to dry itself off, and exhibits the behavior of scratching itself with a hind leg.

14. Shaymin lives in fields of flowers.

15. Since it camouflages by curling itself up, it can easily escape people’s notice.

16. It has been seen liking sweet food.

17. Shaymin is the only known Pokémon to know Seed Flare.

18. A Shaymin caught at the Flower Paradise in Pokémon Platinum will be a fateful encounter Pokémon.

19. If a frozen Shaymin in Sky Forme is holding a Lum Berry or an Aspear Berry, it will eat the Berry after transforming back to Land Forme.

20. Despite being a Mythical Pokémon, normal wild Pokémon battle music plays while battling it. It is the only Mythical Pokémon with this trait.

21. In Generation VI and prior it is impossible to use Shaymin’s Sky Forme in the Battle Spot or in online competitions that allow Mythical Pokémon. This is because only Pokémon stored in the PC can be used and Shaymin would revert to Land Forme as soon as deposited. In Generation VII this was changed so that Sky Forme can be deposited into the PC and only revert to Land Forme when withdrawn.

22. Shaymin is based on a hedgehog. However, its white body and the grass-like fur on its back makes it somewhat resemble a Chia Pet as well. Moreover, when Land Forme Shaymin blooms with flowers, as seen in the anime, Shaymin appears as a bouquet of flowers, emphasizing Shaymin’s role as the Gratitude Pokémon.

23. Sky Forme Shaymin shares most of its traits with a small, young terrier-type dog, but its sprightly behavior, its affinity for flowers, and its ability to fly bring to mind angels and fairies. Shaymin’s Sky Forme has a few aspects that resemble a reindeer as well. Due to its healing abilities, it could also be based on a guardian angel.

24. Shaymin may be a combination of xiè (Chinese for thanks/gratitude) and harinezumi (hedgehog). It may also involve shaman (a mystic) or stamen (a plant part). Alternatively, it may be a corruption of Shamayim (Hebrew for heaven/sky), correlating directly with Shaymin’s Sky Forme.

25. Shaymin debuted in Giratina and the Sky Warrior, where it was fleeing from Giratina. It thought that Giratina wanted to eat it, but in reality, the Renegade Pokémon wanted to use Shaymin’s Seed Flare to open a portal from the Reverse World to the real world. It appeared in both of its Formes in the movie. This Shaymin had the ability to talk via telepathy.

26. A Shaymin appeared in Memories in the Mist!, where it encountered Mallow after being drawn to her strong feelings of gratitude towards her late mother. Mallow took care of it until Thank You, Alola! The Journey Continues!, where Shaymin was exposed to some Gracideas, transforming into its Sky Forme, and then flew away.