Compound plants in the VMS ?

[Linda]

@Linda

Are you thinking along these lines?
Some plants are cut back to the rootstock in autumn, or simply die back above the rootstock.
In spring it then sprouts again from the rootstock. The root gets bigger and bigger and spreads under the soil, the plant that grows on top keeps its size but grows more.

Example with trees.
When a tree is pruned, shoots form around the old stump. These shoots each take over part of the old roots and continue to grow. Over time, the old rootstock rots and the shoots form a new tree on their own. They then stand beautifully in a circle.
In German, this is called a fairy ring  (Feenring).
In the past, such groups of trees had a magical aura. Sometimes they also have names, for example "the seven brothers".

Yes i wasn't thinking trees per se, more the things that die down to the root, or that if you cut it down would come back from that cut surface (a tree or bush would fit too though). Many plants are sold or traded today as bare root, i do not see why those interested in plants at the time would not trade bare root plants too, given they are dormant in that state and you don't have to tend to them, yet they will generally come back to life once you plant them again at the appropriate time.

Here are some Hostas and daylilies



So i thought maybe when they drew the root they drew it as they remembered planting it, since as it grew more sprouts would come from the same spot and it wouldnt look like that anymore