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[Monica Yokubinas]

I guess the owl as a nocturnal bird could be linked to a sleep-inducing herb without the need of a direct linguistic link in the name. The problem is that we don't know yet whether to expect a mnemonic to be linguistic, or rather functional/conceptual. And with these leaves, they could certainly be based on a natural form.

Therefore I think it would be best to focus on the heads, since they are among the most obvious non-botanical elements of all the plants.

To me they don't look sleepy at all, with their wide open eyes. Especially the one on the left looks rather surprised or agitated, with some white of the eye visible above the iris.



The one on the right does look more relaxed. Maybe it's a before and after shot

The plant is a type of Silene with over 700 varieties it is very difficult to pinpoint exactly which one. The plant roots were used 
" A Xhosa diviner identifies and collects the plant from the wild. The roots are ground, mixed with water, and beaten to a froth, which is consumed by novice diviners during the full moon to influence their dreams. They also take it to prepare for various rituals. The root has such a strong, musky essence that the diviners who consume it exude the scent in their sweat" You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. In the Voynich it talks of them not only cooking the leaves in winter and saving seed, but also of eating the 'sweet potato' after cooking.
I know everyone is hung up on the leaf illustrations in the Voynich, but there were trying to draw the small leaf protrusions sticking out at the base of the leaf and stem. This image of a california variety shows it best. You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.