Mandragora autumnalis MANDRAKE (plant)

Mandrake plant, also known as Mandragora in the Middle Ages, is a small taprooted plant that grows mainly along the Mediterranean coast.
It measures 30 cm in height and 60 cm in diameter. It is a mythical perennial plant with slow growth.

The plant grows very close to the ground without ever forming a true stem, giving it the appearance of a large wild lettuce. Its leaves spread out in a star shape around the center, creating a dense vegetative carpet that protects the soil from evaporation. This very low habit is a natural adaptation to resist wind and capture morning moisture.

Note: it enters vegetative dormancy from mid-March/early April until September. It is therefore normal to see its leaves turn yellow and fall during the spring. Its life cycle is the opposite of common plants; it is a truly mysterious botanical.

Its foliage is recognized by its irregular, bumpy surface, somewhat reminiscent of toad skin or the texture of a sponge. To the touch, the leaves are thick and emit a strong, quite particular scent that may surprise novice gardeners.

At the heart of the rosette, small bell-shaped purple flowers appear, seeming to sit directly on the ground starting in October. Once faded, they give way to fleshy berries that turn yellow as they ripen. A single plant can produce about ten fruits per year. The fruits are the size of a cherry tomato and release an apple-like fragrance.

Hidden underground is a monumental brown root, often forked, which can take on shapes evoking a human body with arms and legs. This food reserve allows the mandrake to sleep all summer when it is too hot and to regrow as soon as the rain returns.

- Properties:

Steeped in history and mythology, the mandrake is THE perfect plant for lovers of rare botanicals. It is one of the most curious plants used in the Middle Ages and Antiquity, full of stories and legends.

Highly toxic, this rare esoteric variety contains numerous alkaloids, giving it mydriatic and nootropic properties. It is very often associated with magic; historically, it was used for its analgesic and sedative virtues.

Today, its use is ornamental and attracts collectors of unusual and mystical plants.

Do not consume under any circumstances. Highly toxic plant. To be grown only for collections of magical and esoteric plants.

- Planting and Cultivation:

• Plant the mandrake in a 5-liter pot just above the collar.
• Use a rich and, above all, very well-draining substrate.
• Water thoroughly at the time of planting, then let the surface soil dry between waterings.
• Place the plant in a very bright spot.
• It is also possible to plant the mandrake directly in the ground in a sunny location.

- Substrate Quality:

It is essential to provide very deep, sandy soil so the root meets no resistance during growth. Soil rich in humus but without water stagnation guarantees the long-term health of the central taproot.

- Light Intensity:

This species enjoys generous light while being protected from the most scorching rays that could wither its leaves. An open location promotes efficient photosynthesis to nourish its imposing underground reserves.

- Climate and Cold:

Although accustomed to Mediterranean winters, it can withstand moderate temperature drops to around -7°C if the soil remains relatively dry. Its survival depends on its ability to bury itself deeply to escape surface thermal variations.

- Hydration and Drainage:

Watering should be targeted during the spring and autumn growing months to maintain constant freshness without waterlogging the soil. It is crucial to stop all intervention as soon as the foliage turns yellow to respect its dormancy cycle.