I've been doing some more botany-focused reading on herbs, and in doing so, have learned a little bit about the botanical terms for the anatomical structures of a plant. Of particular relevance is the inflorescence, or simply the cluster of flowers on the plant. Inflorescences are categorized according to their arrangement off the main stem (peduncle). The image below illustrates a few of the more common inflorescences.
Even with only a very superficial investigation of inflorescences, it became evident to me that these nine common categories barely scratch the surface of all the different variations of inflorescence arrangements that exist in the natural world. Additionally, some species of plants present with anomalous inflorescence formation, which do not quite fit into the existing categories, and, consequently, are erroneously categorized as one or the other simply for sake of putting them somewhere.
I can't help but see a parallel between this sort of plant classification and classification of human personality (and perhaps even psyche). Perhaps we may fall into general, broad-sweeping categories, but there will always be that about us which remains impervious to the reducible effects of categorizing behavior.
All seriousness aside, let's have some fun with this. I'm sure most of you are familiar with personality typing based on things like color preference, etc., so let's see what your inflorescence preference says about you. Take a good look at the image above and choose an inflorescence that you like best (excluding the compound umbel). Then find the corresponding inflorescence below and discover things about yourself that you never knew. No cheating!
Spike: You are a contrary sort and depending on your mood, this can either work to your benefit and manifest as courage and assertiveness in your dealings with others; or backfire and come across as just plain cantankerousness and therefore repellent to those you encounter.
Raceme: Dynamism defines you. You have a synergistic, lively balance between your creative side and your computational side. There is a strong possibility that you might be perfect.
Panicle: You are eccentric, in taste, style, and mood. To keep up with your varied interests, you always have a lot going on, and it's never the same thing twice. You are prone to abusing substances.
Umbel: Logic and order is the name of your game. You pride yourself on your organizational skills and responsible nature. You readily see patterns in nature, work, and play, and love categorizing any and all material things. This is your favorite post of the entire blog.
Corymb: You are easy-going and level-headed. Nothing seems to ruffle your feathers--er--leaves. You take the ebbs and flows of life in stride, a veritable surfer of the cosmos. Sometimes your carefree disposition leaves you lounging on the beach for too long though.
Cyme: Ambition drives you in most activities. You don't feel satisfied unless you have put in a long, hard-day's work and see results from the work that you've done. Relaxing is not your strong suit. Having a stiff drink from time to time would do you some good.
Cluster: You are plain.
Solitary: Ever so elegant you are. You carry yourself in a sophisticated manner and are privy of all the trends in fashion, music, and food, of which you ravenously indulge. Whether or not you are solitary in your epicurean pursuits is uncertain, but it's quite possible.
 |
| Image reproduced from Kansas Wildflower and Grasses website: http://www.kswildflower.org/drawings.php?drawingID=5 |
I can't help but see a parallel between this sort of plant classification and classification of human personality (and perhaps even psyche). Perhaps we may fall into general, broad-sweeping categories, but there will always be that about us which remains impervious to the reducible effects of categorizing behavior.
All seriousness aside, let's have some fun with this. I'm sure most of you are familiar with personality typing based on things like color preference, etc., so let's see what your inflorescence preference says about you. Take a good look at the image above and choose an inflorescence that you like best (excluding the compound umbel). Then find the corresponding inflorescence below and discover things about yourself that you never knew. No cheating!
Spike: You are a contrary sort and depending on your mood, this can either work to your benefit and manifest as courage and assertiveness in your dealings with others; or backfire and come across as just plain cantankerousness and therefore repellent to those you encounter.
Raceme: Dynamism defines you. You have a synergistic, lively balance between your creative side and your computational side. There is a strong possibility that you might be perfect.
Panicle: You are eccentric, in taste, style, and mood. To keep up with your varied interests, you always have a lot going on, and it's never the same thing twice. You are prone to abusing substances.
Umbel: Logic and order is the name of your game. You pride yourself on your organizational skills and responsible nature. You readily see patterns in nature, work, and play, and love categorizing any and all material things. This is your favorite post of the entire blog.
Corymb: You are easy-going and level-headed. Nothing seems to ruffle your feathers--er--leaves. You take the ebbs and flows of life in stride, a veritable surfer of the cosmos. Sometimes your carefree disposition leaves you lounging on the beach for too long though.
Cyme: Ambition drives you in most activities. You don't feel satisfied unless you have put in a long, hard-day's work and see results from the work that you've done. Relaxing is not your strong suit. Having a stiff drink from time to time would do you some good.
Cluster: You are plain.
Solitary: Ever so elegant you are. You carry yourself in a sophisticated manner and are privy of all the trends in fashion, music, and food, of which you ravenously indulge. Whether or not you are solitary in your epicurean pursuits is uncertain, but it's quite possible.
did you make this up?? haha, I am plain! that is all.
ReplyDelete