Wild Rockrose

Wild Rockrose (Cistis agria): Likely Cistus incanus or Cistus villosus, a shrub common in the Mediterranean known for its sticky resin (ladanum) and medicinal properties. It is often found near heliotropes plants that turn toward the sun. It has seven leaves, which are narrower toward the root. In size, it grows quite tall, extending from the tips like little pouches or pods where the seeds are held. The flower is a delicate quince-yellow original: "melinon," referring to the color of a quince or apple. The leaves have the power, when drunk with dark and dry wine, to stop the bowels a treatment for diarrhea or dysentery. Furthermore, they are applied as a poultice? to treat inflamed ulcers.

A botanical illustration of a Cistus (Rockrose) plant. It features a central brown root system and a single green stem that branches at the top. It has several pairs of elliptical green leaves. The branches terminate in small, brown, rounded seed pods or flower buds. To the right, a small Greek note reads "isiphadia" likely a corruption or local name for the plant.

Telephion, which some call

Wild Houseleek original: "aeizoon agria," meaning 'ever-living'; some call it Wild Purslane; and others call it Blite a type of amaranth or spinach-like herb. This plant resembles Purslane in its leaves and stems. However, it is not like Mallow, for it is moist and succulent by nature... the text here becomes fragmented ...thick and fleshy leaves. For its nature is to be... drunk?

The middle illustration shows a plant with spreading, reddish-brown stems and numerous small green leaves. It is laden with small, round, pale-colored berries or flowers. Below it is a bushier green plant with dense, small leaves and a dark, multi-pronged root system. To the right of the lower plant is a small human figure wearing a yellow tunic and a tall, flared brown hat (possibly a pileus or specialized headwear for a root-cutter), holding a green sprig. A label next to the figure reads of Alexios original: "Alexiou," possibly identifying the illustrator or a previous owner.