The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 40v, Crocus (Crocus vernus), is native to central and southern Europe. It grows from corms, the leaves are grass-like in appearance, and the cone-shaped flowers occur in white, yellow, blue, and purple. The blue crocus, (Crocus sativus), blooms in the autumn and the spice saffron is obtained from its stigmas. Tuscany is one of the places used for saffron production and it was commonly used to flavor foods eaten by wealthy medieval households.