Mandragora officinalis syn. M. officinarum, M. autumnalis
Family: Solanacea
TOXIC
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Perennial. Native to southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean.
The ancients used Mandrake root to relieve pain and promote sleep, but
it was also known to cause strange delirium and madness. The leaves
are harmless and cooling when used as a poultice. Mandrake, to say
the least, is the object of many strange superstitions: “It groweth
beneath the gallows of murtherers.” Or: “To digge the root bringeth
sure deathe, as the shrieks emitting thenceforth can be herde by no man
and live. It is therefore recommended to tie a dogge to the root,
so that by struggling to free himself the plant may be dislodged without
human hurte.” Cultivation: The seeds must be sown
soon after you receive them. A period of cold, moist conditioning
is recommended prior to germination in warm temperatures. Sow in
the fall to germinate in spring or place in moist medium in refrigerator
for 3 weeks before sowing in pots or directly in the garden. The
seedlings are extremely sensitive to transplant, so we recommend direct
seeding or planting in large pots. Transplant only in the fall.
Deep, sandy soils are ideal. Full sun. The plants
will often exhibit summer-dormancy. Keep them weeded and watered,
and the tops will come back. Once established, they can flower prodigiously,
and make much strange fruit.
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