What is the difference between mandrake and Mandragora?

What is the difference between mandrake and Mandragora?

As nouns the difference between mandragora and mandrake is that mandragora is mandrake; often specifically mandrake root, traditionally used as a narcotic while mandrake is (mythology) a mandragora, a kind of tiny demon immune to fire.

Is Mandragora a mandrake?

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. ... The main species found around the Mediterranean is called Mandragora autumnalis, the autumn mandrake.

How do you grow Mandragora autumnalis?

Mandrake is best grown from fresh or cold stored seed. Stored seed tends to germinate slowly and erratically, whereas seed sown fresh comes up very well the following spring if sown in Autumn. Sow in a very deep pot so the young taproots have plenty of room.

Is mandrake a narcotic?

Mandrake contains the powerful tropane alkaloids scopolamine, hyoscyamine, atropine, and mandragorine, which have an intense affect on the central nervous system. ... Mandrake is a powerful narcotic, emetic, sedative, and hallucinogen; its poisons can easily lead to death.

What is Mandrake in the Bible?

The mandrake, Mandragora officinalis, is a strange plant mentioned only in Genesis 30:14 and Song of Songs 7:13 although it is a common plant in many parts of Israel. The plant consists of several large, wrinkled, dark green leaves that lie flat upon the ground forming a rosette. ...

Is Mandrake the same as ginseng?

This intrigues me in part because this observation suggests that Ginseng is almost a kind of Mandrake — at least in the sense that Mandrake is another plant whose roots are regarded as growing in the shape of a little person. ... In any case, the word “Mandrake” is just about as confusing a name as is Ginseng.

What is mandrake in Harry Potter?

Mandragora A Mandrake, also known as Mandragora, was a magical and sentient plant which had a root that looked like a human (like a baby when the plant is young, but maturing as the plant grows). When matured, its cry could be fatal to any person who heard it.

How long does it take for mandrake to grow?

about two years Mandrake plants generally take about two years to mature, bloom, and produce berries. Mandrake root can be harvested after three to four years. Sowing mandrake seeds isn't difficult, but don't expect 100 percent success, as germination can be hit and miss.

Are Mandrakes easy to grow?

Growing mandrake in deep, rich soil is easy, however, the roots will rot in poorly drained or clay soil. Mandrake needs full sun or partial shade. It takes about two years for the plant to become established and set fruit. ... Plant the seeds in containers where they can be protected from winter weather.

Is Mandragora autumnalis the same as Mandrake?

• Mandragora autumnalis. Mandragora autumnalis, known as mandrake or autumn mandrake, is recognized by some sources as a separate species from Mandragora officinarum, although with different circumscriptions. Others regard it as merely part of this very variable species.

What are the effects of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning?

• Clinical reports of the effects of consumption of Mandragora autumnalis include severe symptoms similar to those of atropine poisoning, including blurred vision, dilation of the pupils ( mydriasis ), dryness of the mouth, difficulty in urinating, dizziness, headache, vomiting, blushing and a rapid heart rate ( tachycardia ).

What does Mandragora look like?

• Plants given the name Mandragora autumnalis consist of a rosette of leaves up to 60 cm (2 ft) across, close to the ground, with a central group of usually purplish flowers followed by yellow or orange berries. The large tap-roots as well as the leaves contain alkaloids and are toxic.

Is M autumnalis an annual or perennial?

• Whatever distinction is used, plants of M. autumnalis are herbaceous perennials, with a large upright tap-root, often branched and sometimes shaped somewhat like a person. There is little or no stem, the leaves being borne in a basal rosette up to 60 cm (2 ft) across.