Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum)

Family: Solanaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Mandragora officinarum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to July, in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. A delicacy. The fruit is about the size of a small apple, with a strong apple-like scent. Caution is advised in the use of this fruit, it is quite possibly poisonous. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is about the size of a small apple, with a strong apple-like scent.; Caution is advised in the use of this fruit, it is quite possibly poisonous.

Habitat & North American Range

Open woodland, deserted fields and stony places. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)