Recommendations were put forward that further studies be made to explore other artistic representations of plants from that period, such as the tiles (azulejos) from the 17^th century and the illuminated illustrations from the Manuel 1^st Book of Hours. Many interesting apsects on the cultural significance and uses of the plants were also being highligted. 

Inspired by the fascinating evidence thrown up by this process, the project was developed further to explore artistic masterpieces in several other European countries so as to compare and contrast the wider symbology and use of the plants.

To do this four other European countries were invited to join Portugal to explore this theme - the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and the UK. Appropriate institutes were contacted to provide the artistic, botanic and technical support for the project and the work has now brought together an interesting mixture of specialists from the five countries. (see participating members list).

The target for the new European partners is to develop an interactive CDRom featuring the selection of 20 plants from each of the five countries (ie 100 plants) which will inform and explain not only the form, distribution, significance and use of each plant but also set every plant in the context of each country culturally and artistically. Informative text will be supported by a range of first class plant illustrations and there will be animated interactive sections for the user to try out. The Italian team have been providing most of the technology required to develop both the database and interactive product, and it is expected that by the year 2003 each respective partner institution will be able to delight and engage their audiences both through the interactive and through labelled live plant displays.