Erowid Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) Vault

mandrake

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Mandrake

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Family :

Solanaceae

Genus :

Mandragora (former: Atropa)

Species :

officinarum (former: mandragora)

COMMON NAMES

Mandrake

EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION

Poison; Deliriant

DESCRIPTION

Traditionally known as an aphrodisiac and closely associated with witchcraft. Poisonous.

CAUTION

Mandragora officinarum is a low perennial herb growing up to 30 cm high with yellow berries. It grows from a thick forked root which is known for sometimes resembling a human form. All parts of the plant contain hyoscyamine and scopolamine and can easily cause death by respiratory paralysis. It has a long history of medicinal and magical use in Europe.