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Black mandrake's flowers are purple instead of white, as in M. officinarum (var. vernalis). The supposed difference in root color does not seem to hold true. This is also called Autumn Mandrake because it flowers in the fall instead of the summer, as does white mandrake (which is also known as Spring Mandrake [=vernalis]). Black mandrake is a native to Southern Europe
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and has a great variety of magickal uses. It has been part of flying ointments, been made into poppets, worn in the cap for protection and love, carried for fertility, and consumed to induce love or lust. This Saturn plant is sacred to Hekate, Diana, and Aphrodite as well as being associated with Mercury, apparently because of the androgynous shape of the root. The flowers die and turn into small yellow or orange fruits that some people make into a liqueur; apparently the ripe fruits do not have the same alkaloids as other parts of the plant. Information on alkaloid content is contradictory. Some say the leaves are safe, but an article described 15 people who had been hospitalized for eating the leaves, which they thought were spinach. The thick roots definitely contain tropanes, the same substances as in henbane and other nightshades, so don't chew them, as some sources recommend. The tropanes, which are deliriants, connect this plant to Saturn. Clearly, this plant has lots of possibilities. Also known as Autumn Mandrake and Female Mandrake. Packet comes with growing sheet. Check out the beautiful root of a two-year-old plant a customer grew. I have roots of this plant available and will have pictures up this week.
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| Mandragora |
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pkt of 30 seeds |
$ 3.5 |
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More pictures:
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