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A mandrake is the root of a plant, historically derived either from plants of the genus Mandragora (in the family Solanaceae) found in the Mediterranean region, or from other species, such as Bryonia alba (the English mandrake, in the family Cucurbitaceae) or the American mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum in the family Berberidaceae) which have ...
Jan 12, 2016 · In the Bible’s Book of Genesis, mandrake root helps Rachel conceive Jacob, and in Greek mythology, Circe and Aphrodite are thought to use it as an aphrodisiac.
- Angelica Calabrese
Mandrake, genus of six species of hallucinogenic plants in the nightshade family native to the Mediterranean region and the Himalayas. The plants are particularly noted for their potent roots, which somewhat resemble the human form and have a long history of use in religious and superstitious practices.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Jul 11, 2019 · What Is Mandrake Root? The mandrake root is a plant in the nightshade family rich in folklore and history. Its scientific name is Mandragora officinarum, and it grows mainly in countries near the Mediterranean Sea. Mandrake is a perennial with a long stem and short trunk. The leaves resemble a cabbage or edible green, but they are not edible ...
Whatever the circumscription, Mandragora officinarum is a perennial herbaceous plant with ovate leaves arranged in a rosette, a thick upright root, often branched, and bell-shaped flowers followed by yellow or orange berries.
Dec 4, 2021 · In German folklore, mandrake came to be identified with the alrune, a devilish spirit and a magic root in human form who, when questioned, reveals all secret things touching welfare and increases possessions, enriches, removes all enemies, brings blessing on wedlock, and doubles every piece of coin laid under her [122: 262].
In mythology and folklore, the mandrake root is often depicted as a powerful talisman with the ability to bring luck, protection, and even wealth to those who possess it. Legends tell of mandrakes screaming when uprooted, causing harm to anyone who dares to harvest them.
