Iris & Papirus
Papirus Papirus
Hey Iris, have you ever wondered how those medieval herbals classified plants that we now think are misidentified? I was just looking at a 12th-century manuscript and spotted a tiny scribal error that might explain why the “basilisk root” turned out to be a species of basil. Let’s dig into that.
Iris Iris
That’s a fascinating find! Medieval herbals were often compiled from travelers’ notes and folk remedies, so a single misspelled word could shift a whole species. Basilisk root—if the scribe meant "basilisk" as in a mythical creature—might have been a misunderstanding of “basil,” the aromatic herb. I love how those old manuscripts blend myth and science; it’s like a botanical treasure hunt. Let’s look at the context of the entry—any other clues about the plant’s appearance or uses might help pin down whether it’s actually basil, a different herb, or something entirely different.