Golpar, a plant native to the region known as Iran, holds a cherished place in Persian cuisine as a distinctive spice. Its name, translating to “flower-feather,” evokes the delicate, petal-like translucence of its mericarps. In the West, where the plant was introduced in the 19th century, it is referred to as Giant Hogweed, meaning “feral pigs’ feed.” This stark linguistic contrast between its names highlights a subtle hostility, serving as a focal point for inquiry and forming the foundation of this work.
The investigation centers on how the plant has been documented by Western botanists. Herbariums across Europe and the United States were contacted to locate specimens of *Heracleum persicum* specifically collected from Iran. Images of various samples, acquired over the past century, were provided and digitally altered to remove all added information, such as taxonomic classifications and labels. The process recreates an uncontaminated form of the plant, offering a quiet act of resistance that reclaims its representation and challenges colonial narratives.






