The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 15v. Herb paris (Paris quadrifolia) Jacob Meydenbach labeled this plant Indicus, however it does not resemble the important Indian herb, Sphaeranthus indicus. The hearts on the leaves make it more likely to be Herb paris or true lover’s knot. Sprigs of Herb paris were worn in the spring to ensure true love and were believed to have aphrodisiac properties. Herb paris is described by Hortus Sanitatis “as being from Venus, useful in staunching the flow of blood and intestinal fluid.” (1) (A)