The Flowers

Three of the flowers confirmed on the Shroud of Turin by images and pollen tests:

• Gundelia tournefortii (thistle, tumbleweed)
• Zygophyllum dumosum (bushy bean-caper)
• Cistus creticus (pink rock-rose)

The thistle plant was the plant used to weave the crown of thorns. The rock-rose is the Balm of Gilead.

A balm is used to heal and to ease hurt and pain:

• A chiefly Mediterranean perennial herb (Melissa officinalis) in the mint family, grown for its lemon-scented foliage, which is used as a seasoning or for tea. Also called lemon balm.
• Any of several related plants in the mint family, such as the bee balm and the horse balm.
• Any of various aromatic resins exuded from several trees and shrubs, especially the balm of Gilead (Commiphora) and related plants.
• An aromatic salve or oil.
• A pleasing aromatic fragrance.
• A soothing, healing, or comforting agent or quality.

For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?

Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
~ Jeremiah 8:21-22