The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 27r, Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), is thought to have originated in Persia. The Moors introduced it into Europe around the 15th century. Dishes containing spinach are referred to as “Florentine” because it was the favorite vegetable of Catherine de Medici. Spinach has alternate, simple, ovate to triangular-based leaves; inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers; and a normal spreading root system. The benefits of eating spinach are well known due to the songs of Popeye and Shirley Temple. The vegetable is rich in iron.