Mandragora
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Mandragora is a genus of plants commonly known as mandrakes, which are found in the Mediterranean region and have been used in traditional medicine and folklore for centuries. These plants matter because they contain powerful alkaloid compounds that have both medicinal and toxic properties, making them historically significant in the development of pharmacology and culturally important in European witchcraft traditions.
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Taxonomy · GBIF
GENUS
- KingdomPlantae
- PhylumTracheophyta
- ClassMagnoliopsida
- OrderSolanales
- FamilySolanaceae
via GBIF · CC0
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Parent taxon
- Solanaceae
- Image
- Mandragora officinarum 002.JPG
Show 2 more facts
- P105
- genus
Article
Mandragora is a plant genus belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Members of the genus are known as mandrakes. Between three and five species are placed in the genus. The one or two species found around the Mediterranean constitute the mandrake of ancient writers such as Dioscorides. Two or three further species are found eastwards into China. All are perennial herbaceous plants, with large tap roots and leaves in the form of a rosette. Individual flowers are bell-shaped, whitish through to violet, and followed by yellow or orange berries.
Like many members of the Solanaceae, species of Mandragora contain highly biologically active alkaloids that make the plants poisonous. Their roots in particular have a long use in traditional medicine. Mandrakes are involved in many myths and superstitions.