Recently I read about the world of miniature books--a fascinating subject (the picture are hard to look at...), and one where a recognized standard exists regarding size. The article referenced four size ranges in tiny tomes. Macro-miniature: 3-4" Miniature: 1-3" Micro-miniature: 1/4-1" Ultra-micro-miniature: <1/4". After laying out this paradigm the author makes it known that in the miniature book world, millimeters are the preferred unit of measurement--because 1/16" is TOO large!

To be sure, there are not too many plants under 1/4" (roughly 4mm). And plant lovers, orchid growers among them, can't seem to agree on what constitutes a mini--4"? 6"? Under a foot? Micro-miniatures are easier, generally considered to be those plants under 1.5 inches. Or is it under 2"? And there are those who will use the term "miniature" for a plant that is 8 feet tall because its cousins are 30 feet tall. Let's agree to use the term "dwarf" for such plants, reserving miniature for the true Lilliputians of the other kingdom.

As in so many other areas, a common vocabulary, an agreed upon standard would be quite useful. But who decides? Apparently no one. SO here goes: I propose that plants be considered miniature when they are under six inches, and micro-miniatures when they are under 1.5 inches tall. There you have it.  

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Copyright  2006- 2007 by Carlo A. Balistrieri.
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