Size could be everything!

It is true that size does not always matter. Except when it does!

When, for example, someone says, “Look at that tree!”, I generally look up. The name implies a size, and that in and of itself could well be misleading. So what about leaf? Flower? Seed, or fruit? Or even root? I wouldn’t have a clue!

When it comes to herbalism and the foraging of wild plants, or harvesting cultivars and yes, making medicines, or collecting culinary herbs, correct herbal identification is absolutely essential. And there are a wealth of regionally specific books, written by amazing herbalists, that we can rely on to help ensure correct identification.

I for one have spent countless hours identifying plants, for reference, for talks, presentations and just because.

I was unfortunately slow to see that most of my photographs over the years did not convey size. There was no “scale bar” and no way for anyone to know just how big a leaf or a flower might be. A ruler doesn’t fit neatly in my back pocket and when it comes to identification, size could well be everything!

There are likely countless approaches to conveying size when we view an image. What’s most important is to consider reaching for a recognized “standard”, an object that people will not only quickly recognize, but something with a size that we immediately understand. I use a penny on a fob, or any ol’ coin. Thumbs work too, but their size varies!

On the left, it’s easy to see that these aloe leaves are really quite thin, in the scheme of things.

On the right, autumnal black cohosh seed pods, and her seeds.

Be creative. And remember a bit of humor.

… and with that, if you don’t know him, Sidney Harris has for decades shared his humor with us all. Here is but one of my favorites. My enjoyment of his work never ceases.