Baconus+minimus

Baconus Minimus
This plant has only recently been domesticated. But for Baconus minimus, all others in this genus are considered weeds. Careful attention must be paid to its cultivation or it will quickly run to seed. Though it's growth is somewhat unruly, and some botanists fear its invasive potential, horticulturalists who take the time to cultivate this showy hardy perennial are united in their praise of it. The cultivar Baconus minimus batemanesii has paricularly fine flowers and yields many bushels of edible tubers per plant which may be processed into a nutritious flour. The taste has been likened to a curious mixture of cassava, yam and potato.

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Include evidence of how we know this. Many plants were domesticated thousands of years ago. What evidence do scientists have of the origin of the plant? Is it the same today as it was originally? What is significant about the site where the plant was domesticated in terms of geography of the area (rivers, climate), the culture of the people...? How was the plant originally used? Is it's use today different? Consider the following in your reflection: How does understanding about this plants and its history relate to your life in a global community? Comment on humans and their control over nature. How has our society's experience of food changed? Provide two questions for further study.
 * Plant Name:**
 * Domestication**: Where/When
 * Biology:** Type of plant, what part of the plant do we use, what is its life cycle and cultural requirements. Does it have a relationship with specific insects (pests or partners) that could impact its success?
 * Human/Plant relationship**: How has the plant evolved to be of importance to humans? How important is it to our survival/success? How different is today's version of the plant from its ancestor?
 * Reflection:** In a paragraph I want you to describe what you learned and what you wonder about plants and humans.