The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Page 51846 - 
**Entry: Flibblewots**  
*Not to be confused with the slightly more notorious Blitherwaps.*
**Definition:**  
Flibblewots are a semi-sentient species of flora known for their
 uncanny ability to communicate through a series of click-like sounds,
 which, to the untrained ear, might sound like an elderly typewriter
 having a rather bad day. Predominantly found on the serene, yet oddly
 odorous, planet of Glarfnip 7, Flibblewots possess the unique property
 of being both biologically essential and socially awkward within their
 ecosystem.
**Physical Description:**  
Standing at an average height of 2 Glarfnips (approximately 0.73 Earth
 meters, but who's measuring?), Flibblewots are easily identifiable by
 their bright fuscia petals and the luminescent teal stem that allows
 them to perform photosynthesis even in the dimmest of light, such as
 the kind found on their home planet or perhaps at the back of a
 particularly dingy space diner. Their roots, delicate yet capable of
 fractal communication, extend deep into the soil, intertwining with
 the roots of other Flibblewots, creating a vast underground network
 that some scholars believe is used for gossip.
**Communication:**  
The Flibblewots communicate using a complex series of clicks, whirrs,
 and occasionally, what can only be described as sighs. This language,
 referred to as ClickWhirr by the few xenolinguists who have bothered
 to study it, is considered one of the Universe's top ten languages
 you'll never need to learn but will wish you had at parties.
**Cultural Significance:**  
Flibblewots hold a peculiar place in Galactic culture. They are often
 given as gifts among certain species to signify a bond that can't be
 broken, mainly because nobody else could be bothered to care for such
 a high-maintenance plant. Additionally, Flibblewots are known to
 produce a nectar that, when fermented, creates a beverage known to
 cause mild hallucinations and, more importantly, a deep philosophical
 understanding of why one's socks frequently disappear in the laundry.
**Tourist Information:**  
Visitors to Glarfnip 7 often partake in Flibblewot viewing tours. It's
 a pastime that involves a lot of standing around and staring at
 plants. It's about as exciting as it sounds, but the tourism board of
 Glarfnip 7 insists it's a "must-see" activity. It should be
 noted that attempting to smuggle a Flibblewot off-planet is considered
 a faux pas and is punishable by being subjected to three Glarfnipian
 operas in succession without an intermission.
**Fun Fact:**  
In an odd twist of evolutionary humor, the Flibblewots developed their
 communication abilities not to talk with each other, but to complain
 about the weather. Which is ironic, since it's always a balmy 22 C on
 Glarfnip 7.
**Traveler's Tip:**  
It is considered good etiquette to click your tongue in greeting when
 passing a Flibblewot. Just don't be offended if they don't click back;
 they are notorious for giving the silent treatment to species they
 consider evolutionarily inferior, which is to say, everyone.