Tangela is a plantPokémon covered by blue, seaweed-like vines that obscure its face. There is a small opening in the vines that reveals its eyes surrounded by a black space. The vines give Tangela a round shape, but it is unknown what it looks like without them. Its vines are covered in fine hair and are always growing. If damaged or lost, replacements are grown. There is a pair of red boot-like feet poking out from under the vines, but no visible arms.
Tangela can ensnare and entangle anything that moves too close to it with its vines. The vines constantly jiggle and sway, unnerving enemies and causing a tickling sensation if ensnared. Tangela's vines will snap off easily and painlessly if the target pulls on them, so it can quickly escape. The vines of Tangela are said to have a refreshing flavor and scent. In Galar, its vines are used as herbs. Tangela can usually be found in temperate grasslands.
In Pokémon Scent-sation!, Erika used a Tangela during her Gymbattle against Ash. It is a strong Pokémon that uses its vines and Stun Spore in order to incapacitate the opponent. During the battle, it managed to take out Bulbasaur by using this combination. Erika then recalled Tangela when Ash sent out his Charmander. A second Tangela was seen in Celadon Gym as well. Erika's Tangela also appeared in I Choose You!, which is set in an alternate continuity of the main series; it was seen battling Pikachu but was defeated.
Tangela physically debuted in Blame it on Eevee. Like her counterparts in other media, Erika of Pokémon Adventures has a Tangela in her arsenal. This Tangela goes by the nickname of Angela in the English translations, or Mon-chan in Japanese.
In A Flaaffy Kerfuffle, a Tangela appeared as one of the Pokémon in Professor Oak's fantasy when he explains that Trainers should only have six Pokémon with them.
Tangela's vines snap off easily if they are grabbed. This happens without pain, allowing it to make a quick getaway. The lost vines are replaced by newly grown vines the very next day.
Its vines snap off easily and painlessly if they are grabbed, allowing it to make a quick getaway. The lost vines are replaced by new growth the very next day.
Tangela's vines snap off easily if they are grabbed. This happens without pain, allowing it to make a quick getaway. The lost vines are replaced by newly grown vines the very next day.
It is cloaked entirely in blue vines, preventing any glimpse of its true identity. The vines impart a refreshing sensation when chewed—they're useful as a spice.
In the Pokémon Red and Blue beta, Tangela was originally known as "Meduza," a name derived from the Greek mythological character Medusa.
Origin
Due to the mystery around Tangela's appearance under its vines, it may be based on the swamp monster from the short story "It!" by Theodore Sturgeon. In addition, it may also be inspired by the Sargassum seaweed monsters written by the English writer William Hope Hodgson, which inspired monsters in Japanese pop culture.
Its Pokédex entries state that its vines will be entangled with its surroundings. This may be a reference to thigmotropism, a biological reaction plants have towards contact that encourages them to coil around objects they touch as they grow, allowing stability in their stems and branches.
Name origin
Tangela may be a combination of tangle and -ella (suffix used to form taxonomic names).
Monjara may be a combination of monster, もじゃもじゃ mojamoja (shaggy or unkempt), and 毛むくじゃら kemukujara (densely covered in thick hair).
In other languages
Language
Title
Meaning
Japanese
モンジャラ Monjara
From monster, もじゃもじゃ mojamoja, and 毛むくじゃら kemukujara