The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 23r, Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris), is found in short clumps in the meadows of Eurasia. It has finely-dissected leaves; purple, bell-shaped flowers; and a woody, rhizomous root. It is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, hence the name Pasque meaning Easter (Passover). As a member of the Ranunculaceae family, the plant is very toxic, producing cardiogenic toxins and oxytoxins which slow the heart in humans. The flower is useful to treat eye diseases such as cataracts.