Viola (odorata or tricolor)

[Koen G]

As you said, it appears they were not used in antiquity and Southern Europe. Their use was probably an invention of Central European Herbalism in the late 15th century. Which makes the appearance in the VM even more interesting. I think we should look into this. Right now - if we accept You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. as V. tricolor and we accept a date around 1420 for the creation of the VM, then this would predate other depictions of V. tricolor by around 50 years!

I agree, this is fascinating, it should tell us something about the VM's plant inventory. Because Viola tricolor does occur widely - I've encountered it myself in the wild. So knowledge of it is not unusual. But it would be our earliest image of it.

Re. your other post, I physically cringe when I see Voynich theories spill over into the real world. Whoever does such things, please stop