Mandragora officinarum Mandrake (Solanaceae)

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Mandragora officinarum
Mandrake
(1 Page of 5)

The Mandragora officinarum plant species is found in Southeastern Europe. It is a member of the Solanaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Mandrake. Some home gardeners know the variety as M. acaulis. M. vernalis.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Mandragora officinarum
Common Name:  Mandrake
Family:  Solanaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant are poisonous[19, 21]. Only slightly so according to one report[89].

Mature Height:  0.1   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Open woodland, deserted fields and stony places[21, 89].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep humus-rich light soil and a sheltered position in full sun[238]. It also tolerates some shade[200]. Prefers a circumneutral soil[200] and dislikes chalk or gravel[4]. Plants are liable to rot in wet or ill-draining soils[4]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[187]. The roots are somewhat carrot-shaped and can be up to 1.2 metres long[4]. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and should be put out into their permanent positions as soon as possible[188]. The root often divides into two and is vaguely suggestive of the human body. In the past it was frequently made into amulets which were believed to bring good fortune, cure sterility etc[244]. There is a superstition that if a person pulls up this root they will be condemmed to hell[244]. Therefore in the past people have tied the roots to the bodies of animals and then used these animals in order to pull the roots out of the soil.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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