The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 28r, Smearwort, Birthwort, or Pipevine (Aristolochia species), is a vine occurring in different climates and has been an important herb since the time of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The leaves are simple and alternate. The flowers grow in the leaf axils; they are inflated and spherical at the base, followed by a long tube and ending in a tongue-shaped, brightly colored lobe. The ancient Egyptians used birthwort during childbirth to help expel the placenta. Pipevines contain a disinfectant which helps heal wounds. The plant is referenced in an early herbal.