Mandragora Officinarum
Contents
Description
Mandragora Officinarum, commonly known as Mandrake or Mandragora, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It has a long history of use in mythology, folklore, and traditional medicine due to its supposed mystical and magical properties. Mandrake is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated in Europe for centuries. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and has a thick, fleshy root that resembles a human figure.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Mandragora |
Appearance
Mandragora Officinarum has a large, dark green, ovate to lanceolate leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The flowers are bell-shaped, purple to greenish-yellow in color, and appear in the spring and summer. The fruit is a yellow or orange berry that is poisonous when ingested. The most distinctive feature of Mandrake is its large, fleshy root that can grow up to 30 cm long and 8 cm wide. The root is often forked, and the two branches can resemble human legs or arms, giving rise to the plant’s legendary reputation.
Care Guide
Mandragora Officinarum is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining, sandy soil. It should be planted in a sunny to partially shaded location and watered regularly, but not excessively. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. Fertilization should be done sparingly with a balanced fertilizer. Mandrake is hardy to USDA zones 6-9 and can withstand temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mandragora Officinarum is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and powdery mildew. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while whiteflies can be controlled with sticky traps. Powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Mandrake is also poisonous, and its ingestion can cause hallucinations, delirium, and even death.
Habitat
Mandragora Officinarum is native to the Mediterranean region and is found in rocky, dry, and sandy soils. It is often found growing in the wild near the coast or in the hills. It has been cultivated in Europe for centuries and is now grown worldwide for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mandragora Officinarum really poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant, especially the root and fruit, contain toxic alkaloids that can be fatal if ingested in large quantities.
Q: What are the medicinal uses of Mandrake?
A: Mandrake has been used in traditional medicine for its sedative, analgesic, and hallucinogenic properties. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac and to treat infertility, respiratory infections, and skin disorders.
Q: Can Mandrake be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Mandrake can be grown indoors in a sunny location with well-draining soil. However, it requires a large container and may not produce flowers or fruit indoors.
Q: Is it legal to grow Mandrake?
A: In some countries, it is illegal to grow Mandrake due to its toxic properties and association with witchcraft and black magic. It is important to check local laws and regulations before growing Mandrake.
Related Plants
- Mandragora Autumnalis
- Mandragora Turcomanica
- Mandragora Vernalis
- Mandragora Caulescens
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1123449/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550467/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874111001134
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/mandrake
