Sunday, September 14, 2008

Mandrake


In ancient times, this perennial herb which is a common plant of the Sicilian countryside was thought to have strange mystical and medical properties. It was widely used by magicians, witches and sorcerers in both black and white magic rituals. In late summer and early autumn a cluster of violet colored flowers develops from the center of the rosette of flat green leaves. Autumn mandrake is a poisonous plant and all of its parts contain powerful chemicals that may cause serious illness or death if eaten.

Scientific common name: Mandragora autumnalis
Italian common name: Mandragora
English common name: Autumn Mandrake

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