Summary
Gardenia, known as Natane in the original Japanese versions, serves as the Gym Leader of Eterna City and specializes in Grass-type Pokémon. Her gym presents a unique challenge where trainers must locate four hidden girls and defeat them before facing Gardenia herself. Her team consists of a Lv. 19 Cherubi, a Lv. 19 Turtwig, and a Lv. 22 Roserade. Upon victory, she awards the Forest Badge. In the anime episode "The Grass Type is Always Greener," she attempted to trade a Vileplume, Victreebel, or Bellossom for James' Carnivine, though these specific Pokémon never appeared. Later, noticing that James was not training his Cacnea effectively, she took it under her wing to help it grow stronger. Following the game's conclusion, she appears at the Old Chateau, investigating strange activity likely caused by Rotom, but her fear prevents her from entering, leaving the matter to the player. In the anime, she displays an intense affection for Grass-type Pokémon, hugging nearly every one she sees except her own. She also befriends Cheryl during their meeting in Eterna Forest. In the episode "Once there were Greenlands," Gardenia asks James to let her train Cacnea in the use of Drainpunch.
