Is there a connection between the root of 1v and 9r?
The root of 1v has always looked to me like a cross between a bear claw and fabric.
It would not surprise me if it were fabric, because IF 1v is
Hypericum (which is in the top 2 on my shortlist of favorite IDs), it was used as a dye plant (red, from the leaves and note how the leaves are drawn alternately green and red).
So if 1v might be a fabric-mnemonic root, then perhaps 9r is, as well.
9r
My favorite ID for 9r is Russian kale. When I You are not allowed to view links.
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Login to view. about it 6 years ago, it was very difficult to find pictures of Russian kale that were non-copyright that showed the parts I wanted to illustrate:
- It has extremely ruffled leaves. Like clouds, you can see things in them because of all the detailed little shapes.
- The stems of red kale are distinctively red.
- The roots can be substantial (in some circumstances kale can grow five feet tall, almost tree-shaped), although most of the time, it is a hairy taproot (not especially thick).
Here are some more recent links that show the similarity to the VMS plant:
- A young one where it's easier to see the shape of the leaves: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
- This shows the red stems: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
- Upside-down picture of kale roots: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. although they are not always as thick as this pic.
Kale is not especially associated with the Bible or with dying, or with fabric-making so...
Alternate ID for 9v
My next-favorite ID for this plant is a certain species of rhubarb (also with very ruffled leaves, red stems, and this plant has very beefy roots). IF the way the roots are drawn is intended as a mnemonic for cloth, then rhubarb would fit well. It has many uses as a dye plant, and is also as a mordant (to help set the dyes).
There are many Bible stories dealing with spinning (it was Eve's avatar after she was expelled from the Garden) and fabric. Cloaks were a common theme. Maybe the roots refer to cloaks? Possibly the roots of dye plants...
The angel told Peter to gird himself with a cloak.
Elijah hid his face in his cloak (note the "pose" of the root).
Mary of Egypt wore a hair cloak (the 9v root is drawn in a way that is similar to medieval hair cloaks).
Touching Jesus's cloak could heal you.
Cloaks were used like a Red Carpet for dignitaries.
Cloaks were put on animals to serve as a riding blanket.
Joseph's coat of many colors was a symbol of favor.
And several other coat/cloak stories.