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:

A Living Legend at the Roots of History

The Mandrake is a mythical herbaceous plant of exceptional rarity, famous for its mysterious taproot that often resembles a human figure.
Steeped in history and legends from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, this esoteric species continues to fascinate enthusiasts of ancient botany and magical folklore.

A Botanical Curiosity with Spectacular Foliage

This botanical curiosity is distinguished by a beautiful rosette of crinkled leaves, from the centre of which emerge delicate violet or whitish bell-shaped flowers.
Acquiring our vigorous young mandrake plant from Ethnoplants allows you to welcome a true piece of history, perfect for enriching a collection of unusual and deeply mysterious plants.

A Collector's Crop Requiring Careful Handling

To thrive, it requires a deep pot and perfectly draining soil, thereby preventing the stagnant moisture that its precious root strongly dislikes.
Cultivated exclusively for the preservation of historical heritage and the joy of horticultural observation, this highly toxic plant must under no circumstances be ingested or handled without care.

- 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.

This article was written by Julien on 07/16/2026.