There is an interesting discussion over at metafilter about the possibility of plant intelligence.
Why does it freak us out to see simulations of humans that fall just short of the real deal? When it’s stylized, just a collection of parts that attempt no more than to signify personhood, we’re fine. But when its real enough that we’re briefly fooled, that we feel the tug to fawn over or lust after, we’re repulsed.