Are you a Pokémon enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge about some of the more unique Grass-type species in the Pokémon universe? If so, you've come to the right place! Today, we're diving deep into everything about Cherubi, the adorable cherry-shaped Pokémon that has charmed trainers since its introduction in Generation IV.
Cherubi might not be the most powerful Pokémon in competitive battles, but its distinctive design, interesting evolution, and unique characteristics make it a fascinating species to study and collect. This article will cover everything from Cherubi's origins and design inspiration to its battle capabilities and cultural impact.
What Exactly is Cherubi?
Cherubi is a Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV (Diamond and Pearl). Resembling a cherry with a smaller second head, this small, round, pink Pokémon is characterized by its cheerful disposition and plant-like qualities. The name "Cherubi" is derived from "cherry," the fruit it's clearly based on.
Cherubi's most distinctive feature is its appearance – a main cherry-like body with a smaller cherry attached to it. This smaller cherry contains nutrients that the main body feeds on, giving Cherubi its unique evolutionary characteristic. According to the Pokédex, this smaller cherry is actually a second head that contains nutrients. As Cherubi grows, the second head shrinks as the main head absorbs its nutrients.
In the wild, Cherubi can be found in forests and grassy areas where there is abundant sunlight. They're known to photosynthesize during the day, converting sunlight into energy like many other Grass-type Pokémon. This little cherry Pokémon might seem insignificant at first glance, but there's much more to Cherubi than meets the eye.
The Origins and Design Inspiration Behind Cherubi
Cherubi's design is clearly inspired by cherries, specifically a pair of cherries connected by their stems. The Japanese name "Cherinbo" (チェリンボ) also reflects this cherry inspiration, combining "cherry" with "bo" (坊), which can refer to a small or young boy in Japanese.
The designers at Game Freak often take inspiration from real-world plants and animals, and Cherubi is no exception. The concept of one cherry "feeding" on another is a creative take on how some plants and fruits grow and develop. This distinctive design choice gives Cherubi its unique character and evolutionary story.
The color scheme – predominantly pink with a green stem and leaves – further reinforces the cherry inspiration. The smaller cherry (or second head) is typically depicted as slightly darker than the main body, perhaps indicating that it's being drained of nutrients.
Cherubi's design philosophy aligns with many other Grass-type Pokémon that are based on plants, fruits, or flowers. The simple yet effective design makes Cherubi instantly recognizable, even among the hundreds of Pokémon species.
Cherubi's Evolution: The Path to Cherrim
One of the most interesting aspects of Cherubi is its evolution. Cherubi evolves into Cherrim at level 25, and Cherrim has a unique form-changing ability based on the weather.
The evolution from Cherubi to Cherrim represents the growth and blooming of a cherry blossom. While Cherubi resembles the fruit itself, Cherrim looks more like a cherry blossom flower. This evolution tells a complete story of a cherry's life cycle – from fruit to flower, which is an interesting reversal of how plants actually develop (from flower to fruit).
When Cherubi evolves, the smaller cherry head disappears completely, having been fully absorbed by the main body to fuel the evolution process. This biological process is actually referenced in multiple Pokédex entries across different games.
Cherrim, Cherubi's evolved form, has a special ability called "Flower Gift" that changes its appearance and stats depending on the weather. In harsh sunlight, Cherrim blooms and changes from its "Overcast Form" (closed bud) to its "Sunshine Form" (bloomed flower). This transformation not only changes Cherrim's appearance but also boosts its Attack and Special Defense stats, as well as those of its allies in double battles.
Where to Find Cherubi in Different Pokémon Games
Finding Cherubi across the various Pokémon games can be challenging as it's often considered a somewhat rare encounter. Here's where you can find Cherubi in different games:
Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
- Honey trees (rare encounter)
- Great Marsh (rare encounter)
HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Headbutt trees in specific routes
Black and White/Black 2 and White 2
- Hidden grottos (rare encounter)
X and Y
- Friend Safari (Grass-type)
Sun and Moon/Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
- Route 10 (rare encounter)
Sword and Shield
- Wild Area (during specific weather conditions)
- Crowned Tundra DLC (specific locations)
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
- Honey trees (similar to the original games)
Legends: Arceus
- Coronet Highlands
- Obsidian Fieldlands
If you're specifically looking to catch a Cherubi for your Pokédex or team, the best approach varies by game. In more recent titles, checking spawn locations during sunny weather can increase your chances of encountering this elusive cherry Pokémon.
Cherubi's Stats and Battle Capabilities
When it comes to battle statistics, Cherubi is relatively modest, which is typical for unevolved Pokémon. Its stats break down as follows:
- HP: 45
- Attack: 35
- Defense: 45
- Special Attack: 62
- Special Defense: 53
- Speed: 35
- Total: 275
As you can see, Cherubi's highest stat is its Special Attack, making it better suited for special moves rather than physical attacks. Its low HP, Defense, and Speed make it vulnerable in battles, which is another reason why trainers usually evolve it quickly to Cherrim.
Cherubi can learn a variety of Grass-type moves through leveling up, including:
- Tackle
- Growth
- Leech Seed
- Magical Leaf
- Helping Hand
- Sunny Day
- Petal Dance
- Solar Beam
Through TMs and breeding, Cherubi can also learn moves like Energy Ball, Grass Knot, and Weather Ball, giving it some versatility despite its limitations.
Cherubi has the abilities Chlorophyll, which doubles its Speed stat in harsh sunlight. This ability synergizes well with moves like Sunny Day, potentially making Cherubi faster than you might expect under the right conditions.
Despite these options, Cherubi is generally considered more of a Pokédex entry than a viable competitive battler. Most trainers who use Cherubi in their teams do so with the intention of evolving it into Cherrim as soon as possible.
Cherubi in Pokémon Culture and Media
Despite not being among the most popular or powerful Pokémon, Cherubi has still made various appearances throughout Pokémon media and culture.
In the anime, Cherubi has made several appearances, often in the background or as a Pokémon owned by minor characters. Its evolved form, Cherrim, had a more significant role in the episode "Battling a Cute Drama!" where a trainer used a Cherrim in a Pokémon Contest.
In the manga adaptations, Cherubi has had minor appearances, usually as part of forest or garden environments.
gmru recently featured an article discussing how Grass-type Pokémon like Cherubi have influenced the design of modern video game characters, showcasing the lasting impact of these creative designs.
In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Cherubi has been featured on several cards, typically as a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with abilities that reflect its in-game characteristics, such as absorbing energy or benefiting from sunny weather conditions.
While not merchandised as heavily as more iconic Pokémon like Pikachu or Charizard, Cherubi has appeared on various products, including plush toys, figurines, and collectible items. Its cute design makes it appealing for younger fans and collectors of plant-based Pokémon.
Cherubi's Unique Ecological Role in the Pokémon World
Cherubi plays an interesting ecological role in the Pokémon world, which is explored through various Pokédex entries and in-game lore. As a photosynthesizing Pokémon, Cherubi contributes to oxygen production in its habitat, similar to real-world plants.
The relationship between the main body and the smaller second head reflects fascinating biological concepts like parasitism or resource allocation, albeit in a cute, Pokémon-friendly way. This dual-headed nature is quite unique among Pokémon and provides an interesting talking point about symbiotic relationships.
In forest ecosystems within the Pokémon world, Cherubi serves as food for bird and bug Pokémon, occupying a lower position in the food chain. This is reflected in its tendency to hide from predators and seek safety in areas with dense foliage.
Cherubi's connection to weather and sunlight also highlights the importance of climate in the Pokémon ecosystem. Its evolution, Cherrim, exemplifies adaptation to environmental conditions through its form change in sunshine.
Through these ecological aspects, Cherubi serves as an educational tool within the Pokémon universe, teaching younger players about concepts like photosynthesis, adaptation, and food chains in an engaging way.
Tips for Raising and Training Your Cherubi
If you've decided to add a Cherubi to your team, here are some tips to help you train it effectively:
Best Training Methods
- EV Training: Focus on Special Attack EVs if you plan to use it before evolution
- Nature: Consider a Modest nature (+Special Attack, -Attack) or Timid (+Speed, -Attack)
- Held Items: Miracle Seed or Eviolite can be useful
Effective Move Sets
For pre-evolution use:
- Magical Leaf (reliable damage)
- Leech Seed (recovery and passive damage)
- Growth (stat boosting)
- Sunny Day (activates Chlorophyll)
Evolution Planning
- Cherubi evolves at level 25, which is relatively early
- Consider teaching it key moves before evolution
- Pair with Pokémon that can benefit from sunny weather
Team Synergy
Cherubi and Cherrim work well with:
- Fire-types (benefit from Sunny Day)
- Solar Power or Chlorophyll Pokémon (benefit from sun)
- Weather-controlling team strategies
Remember that while Cherubi itself isn't particularly strong in battles, the process of raising it can be rewarding, and its evolution Cherrim offers more competitive viability, especially in sunshine-focused teams.
Cherubi vs. Other Grass-Type Pokémon: A Comparison
When comparing Cherubi to other Grass-type Pokémon, particularly those introduced in earlier or the same generation, several differences and similarities emerge:
Comparison with Other Basic Grass-Types
| Pokémon | Base Stat Total | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherubi | 275 | Special Attack, Chlorophyll ability | Low HP, Defense, Speed |
| Oddish | 320 | More balanced stats, multiple evolutions | Fewer specialized abilities |
| Bellsprout | 300 | Better Attack, dual-typing when evolved | Lower Special Defense |
| Seedot | 220 | Dark-type evolution, more versatile | Lower base stats |
| Budew | 280 | Poison dual-typing, strong evolution line | Similar frailty issues |
Compared to these other Grass-types, Cherubi falls somewhere in the middle in terms of base stats. Its specialization in Special Attack gives it a niche, but it lacks the versatility of dual-typed Pokémon like Budew (Grass/Poison) or the multiple evolution options that Oddish has (Vileplume or Bellossom).
The main advantage Cherubi has over some other Grass-types is its Chlorophyll ability, which can make it surprisingly fast in sunny weather. This weather synergy becomes even more pronounced when it evolves into Cherrim.
However, Cherubi suffers from the typical Grass-type weaknesses (vulnerable to Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison, and Bug moves) without any resistances from a secondary type to compensate. Its single-stage evolution also means it has less growth potential compared to Pokémon with multiple evolutionary stages.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Cherubi
Here are some fascinating tidbits about Cherubi that even dedicated Pokémon fans might not know:
- Name Origins: In addition to the obvious cherry inspiration, "rubi" might also reference "ruby," alluding to the fruit's deep red color.
- Smallest Cherry: Cherubi is one of the smallest fruit-based Pokémon, standing at just 0.4 meters (1'04") tall.
- Weight Loss Through Evolution: Interestingly, Cherubi weighs 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), but its evolution Cherrim weighs only 2.0 lbs (0.9 kg) – one of the few Pokémon that actually loses weight when it evolves.
- Seasonal Connection: In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms (which Cherrim resembles) symbolize spring and the ephemeral nature of life, giving this evolutionary line deeper cultural significance.
- Inspiration Crossover: While primarily based on cherries, some aspects of Cherubi's design may also take inspiration from the Prunus family of plants, which includes cherries, plums, and peaches.
- Anniversary Special: Cherubi was featured more prominently during the 10th anniversary celebrations of Diamond and Pearl, acknowledging its status as a Sinnoh native Pokémon.
- Shiny Coloration: Shiny Cherubi has a lighter pink body with a green secondary head instead of purple, making it look more like an unripe cherry.
These little-known facts add layers of appreciation for this seemingly simple Pokémon design and showcase the thought that goes into creating each Pokémon species.
How to Use Cherubi in Competitive Play
While Cherubi itself isn't a powerhouse in competitive battles, there are niche strategies where it can serve a purpose:
Little Cup Strategies
In the "Little Cup" format, where only unevolved Pokémon are allowed, Cherubi can fulfill specific roles:
- Weather Setter: Using Sunny Day to support sun-based teams
- Support: With moves like Leech Seed and Helping Hand
- Surprise Special Attacker: Utilizing its decent Special Attack with Growth boosts
Eviolite Holder
When holding an Eviolite (which boosts Defense and Special Defense of unevolved Pokémon), Cherubi becomes surprisingly bulkier than expected, potentially surviving hits it normally wouldn't.
Example Strategy
A viable Little Cup strategy involves:
- Lead with Cherubi holding Eviolite
- Set up Sunny Day on turn one
- Use Growth to boost Attack and Special Attack
- Utilize Chlorophyll's speed boost to outspeed opponents
- Attack with Magical Leaf or other coverage moves
Team Support Role
Even outside Little Cup, Cherubi can serve as a sacrificial weather setter, coming in safely on a predicted Water or Ground move to set up Sunny Day before being switched out.
While these strategies have niche applications, it's worth noting that Cherubi's evolved form Cherrim generally performs these roles better. Still, for trainers looking for creative challenges or unique team compositions, Cherubi offers some interesting possibilities.
Cherubi in Pokémon GO and Spin-Off Games
Cherubi's presence extends beyond the main series games into various Pokémon spin-offs, including the massively popular Pokémon GO.
Cherubi in Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, Cherubi is a somewhat rare spawn that appears more frequently during sunny weather or Grass-type events. Its characteristics include:
- Rarity: Uncommon spawn, sometimes featured in events
- Type: Pure Grass-type
- Evolution: Requires 50 candies to evolve into Cherrim
- Cherrim Forms: Weather-dependent forms exist in GO as well
- Shiny Availability: Shiny form has been released
Other Spin-Off Appearances
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Appears as a non-playable character in dungeons
- Pokémon Rumble: Available as a collectible toy Pokémon
- Pokémon Snap: Can be photographed in forest environments
- Pokémon Café Mix: Featured in special events
- Pokémon Masters EX: Appears with minor trainers
In most spin-offs, Cherubi maintains its associations with sunny weather and forest environments, consistent with its representation in the main series games. Its relative rarity in Pokémon GO has made it a somewhat sought-after Pokédex entry for collectors, especially during its initial release.
The Cultural Impact of Cherry-Inspired Designs Like Cherubi
Cherubi's cherry-inspired design connects to broader cultural themes, particularly in Japanese culture where cherry blossoms (sakura) hold significant meaning. This cultural connection gives Cherubi and its evolution a deeper resonance than might be immediately apparent.
In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize the transient nature of life – beautiful but fleeting. This philosophical concept, known as "mono no aware," is subtly reflected in Cherubi's evolution story, where the smaller cherry is sacrificed to allow the main body to bloom into Cherrim.
Plant and fruit-based designs are common in the Pokémon universe, but Cherubi stands out for its direct connection to a culturally significant plant. Cherry blossoms are central to hanami (flower viewing) festivals throughout Japan, making Cherubi's design instantly recognizable and meaningful to Japanese players.
Beyond Japan, cherry-themed designs have universal appeal due to the fruit's popularity worldwide. This helps make Cherubi accessible and charming to international audiences, even without the cultural context.
Cherubi's design has influenced later Grass-type Pokémon, contributing to the tradition of creating Pokémon based on fruits and flowers that continues throughout the generations.
Key Takeaways About Cherubi
Physical Characteristics:
- Small, cherry-shaped Grass-type Pokémon
- Features a main body and a smaller secondary cherry
- Pink coloration with green stem and leaves
- Weighs 3.3 lbs and stands at 0.4 meters tall
Gameplay Elements:
- Evolves into Cherrim at level 25
- Has the Chlorophyll ability, doubling speed in sunshine
- Decent Special Attack but overall low base stats
- Best used with sun-based strategies
Ecological Aspects:
- Photosynthesizes for energy
- Second head contains nutrients for the main body
- Primarily found in forest habitats with abundant sunlight
- Part of the plant-based ecological niche in the Pokémon world
Cultural Significance:
- Represents the cultural importance of cherries and cherry blossoms
- Part of the Sinnoh region's diverse ecosystem of Pokémon
- Continues the tradition of plant-based Pokémon designs
- Connects to Japanese cultural themes through its cherry blossom association
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherubi
Q: At what level does Cherubi evolve? A: Cherubi evolves into Cherrim at level 25.
Q: What type is Cherubi? A: Cherubi is a pure Grass-type Pokémon.
Q: Can Cherubi learn any unique moves? A: While Cherubi doesn't have exclusive moves, its signature ability to learn both Growth and Sunny Day naturally makes it effective with sun-based strategies.
Q: Is Cherubi available in all Pokémon games? A: No, Cherubi isn't available in all games. It was introduced in Generation IV and appears in select games afterward, often as a rare encounter.
Q: What does Cherubi's name mean? A: Cherubi's name comes from "cherry," the fruit it's based on, possibly combined with "ruby" to reference its red coloration.
Q: Is Cherubi good for competitive battles? A: Cherubi itself is generally not considered strong for competitive play outside of Little Cup format. Its evolution, Cherrim, has more competitive applications, especially in weather-focused teams.
Q: What's the difference between Cherubi's main body and its second head? A: According to Pokédex entries, the smaller second head contains nutrients that the main body feeds on as Cherubi grows.
Conclusion: Appreciating Cherubi's Place in the Pokémon Universe
While Cherubi might not be the most powerful or popular Pokémon, it represents the thoughtful design philosophy that makes the Pokémon franchise so enduring. Its cherry-inspired appearance, unique biological concept with the dual-headed design, and interesting evolution mechanics give it a special place in the vast Pokémon ecosystem.
The story of Cherubi—from its photosynthesis-based lifestyle to the gradual absorption of its second head to fuel evolution—teaches subtle lessons about nature, growth, and transformation. These themes are central to the Pokémon experience and showcase how even seemingly simple designs can carry deeper meanings.
For collectors, Cherubi offers the challenge of finding a relatively rare Pokémon in several games. For competitive players, it presents interesting niche strategies, particularly in specialized formats. And for those who simply appreciate Pokémon design, Cherubi stands as a charming example of how real-world flora inspires the creatures that populate the Pokémon world.
Whether you're encountering Cherubi for the first time or rediscovering this cherry Pokémon, there's always something new to appreciate about this sweet little Grass-type. From its cultural connections to its ecological role, Cherubi demonstrates that in the world of Pokémon, even the smallest creatures have fascinating stories to tell.