botanical illustration

Makes plant contours, parts, and texture readable with restrained backgrounds.

Visual traits

• observational contours
• distinguishable parts
• restrained background
• plant texture

Expected changes

• Parts such as leaves or flowers are more likely to become distinguishable
• Backgrounds are more likely to become restrained

Definition

Botanical illustration indicates an observational depiction of a plant's whole form, leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds, or other parts. It does not guarantee species identification, exact scale, scientific accuracy, or a particular reference or medium.

In more detail

It makes plants readable through form, relations among parts, and restrained backgrounds. Species, growth stage, scientific verification, and specimen references must be confirmed separately.

Includes

• Imagery that observationally presents plant forms or parts

Excludes

• Species identification
• a guarantee of scientific accuracy
• exact scale
• or a particular specimen reference

What this does not imply

• Species identification
• scientific accuracy
• exact scale
• medicinal properties
• or a particular specimen reference

Variability

Because the provisional reference is not direct evidence for this candidate, root source review is required; generated imagery does not guarantee botanical accuracy, so confirm with specialist references for education, identification, or research.

Usage

• Specify the plant and parts to show separately
• Use verified references for scientific purposes

Distinguish similar expressions

• Use it as an observational presentation
• not as a botanical record or identification result

Typical uses

• Show plant form or parts
• Create observational imagery centered on plants

Possible failure modes

• Plant parts become implausible
• Nonexistent features are combined