f29r

[-JKP-]

Did you notice the "r" (possibly for "rot") in the root? I don't know if it has been pointed out by others, but it's quite clearly written even though it's very small.


I've suggested the plant might be Equisetum (I seem to be the only one who thinks this might be Equisetum). There are two forms of Equisetum—one with branched tops and one with a single stalk. The VMS also has one with a branched top and one with a single stalk. The single row of stem-whorl leaves might be a simplification and it might be drawn that way to mimic horse-tails (the common name for the plant). Equisetum has that scaly texture at the top of the stalk and some species have a reddish end. I'm not 100% confident about the ID, but I do think it should be considered.


Equisetum is a wetland plant. It grows at the edges of streams and ditches but there is also an efluvial species Equisetum fluviatile, that grows where the river empties out into marine waters.

Equisetum is sometimes called scouring rush because it contains silica and is used to clean pots. I wouldn't be surprised if sailors picked it along the way when making shore stops.



I like the parallels to the shapes that you posted.