VMS -- Botany (f93r)

["Dana F. Scott" <dfscott@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The sunflower has been a topic of discussion in the past, especially in
reference to folio f33v; however, problems arise when considering the
leaves and tubers. In contrast, when looking at folio f93r, we find a
plant that appears to compare a lot more favorably to the sunflower. The
stalk, leaves, and roots all appear to be correct. The flower pod at the
top of the plant looks a bit confusing. It does look like the sunflower
seed pod without flower petals; however, there is a bothersome bulge at
the top of the drawing and the pod looks very white when compared to the
familiar dark seed pods of the sunflower (perhaps this is artistic
license).  We may be only seeing one side of the folded leaves. It is
hard to say. Additional consideration seems to be required here,
especially concerning the buldge at the top. While this plant is most
likely not the well known the two may be related.

Photo:
http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora/di/astera/helia/heliann1.jpg
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/dcs420/c/hdw170898vs.jpg
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/dcs420/c/hdw170898vb.jpg
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/bleeker/holland/heliann1.jpg

Description:
http://www.bl.rhbnc.ac.uk/plant/sunflowers.html
http://www.unl.edu/dpilson/sunflower.html
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Helianthus_annuus.html#Uses

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/sunflower.html
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/crops/g04290.htm
http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora/di/astera/helia/heliann.html
http://www.dulley.com/plant/a054.shtml

Regards,
Dana Scott