mandrake

A southern European plant (Mandragora officinarum) in the nightshade family, having greenish-yellow flowers and a branched root. This plant was once believed to have magical powers because its root resembles the human body.

The root of this plant, which contains the poisonous alkaloid hyoscyamine.

The enchanter’s nightshade, Circæa Lutetiana.

A plant of the genus Mandragora.

The May-apple, Podophyllum peltatum.

In heraldry, a figure resembling a root with two long and pointed bifurcations usually twisted together, and the whole crowned with leaves and berries.

A low plant (Mandragora officinarum) of the Nightshade family, having a fleshy root, often forked, and supposed to resemble a man. It was therefore supposed to have animal life, and to cry out when pulled up. All parts of the plant are strongly narcotic. It is found in the Mediterranean region.

The May apple (Podophyllum peltatum). See May apple under May, and Podophyllum.