The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 96r, Garden Angelica (Angelica archangelica), is a large European plant with thick, fleshy, spindle-shaped roots. Its hollow stems are 4-6 feet in height and its bright green leaves are made up of numerous small leaflets. Like other members of the carrot family, the small yellowish flowers are grouped in large umbrels, that produce pale yellow oblong fruit when ripe. According to one legend, an angel revealed in a dream that Angelica could cure the plague. The plant was held in such esteem that it was called “The Root of the Holy Ghost.” Today Angelica is grown mainly for its stems that are candied and used to decorate cakes and confections.