Mandragora officinarum is the type species of the plant genus Mandragora in the nightshade family Solanaceae. It is often known as mandrake, although this name is also used for other plants. As of 2015, sources differed significantly in the species they use for Mandragora plants native to the Mediterranean region. The main species found around the Mediterranean is called Mandragora autumnalis, the autumn mandrake. In a broader circumscription, all the plants native to the regions around the Mediterranean Sea are placed in M. officinarum, which thus includes M. autumnalis. The names autumn mandrake and Mediterranean mandrake are then used. 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. Because mandrakes contain deliriant hallucinogenic tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine) which cause delirium and hallucinations, and the shape of their roots often resembles human figures, they have been associated with a variety of religious and spiritual practices throughout history. They have long been used in magic rituals, today also in contemporary Pagan practices such as Wicca and Heathenry. However, the so-called "mandrakes" used in this way are not always species of Mandragora let alone Mandragora officinarum; for example, Bryonia alba, the English mandrake, is explicitly mentioned in some sources.
Mandrake generally has good resistance to disease and is not typically vulnerable to illnesses. Still, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections tend to be mild. Regarding maintenance, this plant is moderately demanding. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a tidy look and support healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage blooming. Mandrake is a good choice for anyone who has outdoor areas like a garden or patio and does not demand extensive plant-care experience. It may need more attention if cultivated indoors.
How to keep Mandragora Officinalis.
Light
Mandrake flourishes in ample sunlight, prospering in settings that are bathed in substantial amounts of light. Concurrently, it possesses the ability to endure situations of reduced light. Nonetheless, a deficiency of light can negatively impact its vigorous growth. It's original environment, which is wide and sunny, equally reflects its pronounced preference for luminous conditions.
Temperature
Mandrake initially grows in settings with temperatures spanning from 50 to 95 °F (10 to 35 ℃). This vegetation favors hot weather conditions and may require additional safeguards during cold periods if temperatures drop.
Fertilizer
The best period to nourish a Mandrake is during the onset of spring, when it transitions from a dormant state to a phase of active growth. Fertilization imparts essential nutrition for robust growth. Even though a Mandrake's need for fertilization is fairly modest, offering nutrients annually can improve its resilience, and foster superior, more enduring blooms.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Mandragora
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-9
- Mature Height
- 10 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Purple, Green, White
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Turkey, Tunisia, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Algeria, Greece, Croatia, Morocco, Lebanon, Portugal
Other names.
