The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 50v, Stiff Gentain (Gentiana frigida), is a member of the gentain family of plants that originated in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Gentians have opposite leaves that are sometimes arranged in a basal rosette, and trumpet-shaped flowers that are usually deep blue or azure, but may vary from white, cream-colored, and yellow to red. The picture of the white gentian was the only public domain photograph available. Gentian was mentioned in the works of the first century Roman physicians Pliny and Dioscorides. During the Middle Ages, Gentian was commonly employed as an antidote to poison. The long, thick root is a rhizome and has been used for centuries in Europe as a digestive aid.