Mediterranean Sea, within the borders of Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco in north Africa southern Spain, southern Portugal, Italy included Sardinia and Sicily, (Niccolò Machiavelli wrote a novel about it), former Yugoslavia, Greece and Cyprus in southern Europe southern Turkey Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan in the Levant It used to reduce pain and calm down nerves. Ancient people realized its aphrodisiac properties. Mandrake root has been using in cooking since ancient times. Both legends and folklore associated with this plant for good and bad showed the significance of this herb. Mandrake plant was used widely in magic because of its amazing medicinal properties. The term mandrake also is commonly used for the roots of these plants, which contain poisonous alkaloids and have been used medicinally for their anodyne (relieves pain through external application) and soporific properties, but also can lead to delirium and hallucinations. Mandrake, Satan’s Apple, Love Apple, Devil’s Apple, autumn mandrake, Mediterranean mandrake, Master of the life breath, Mad Apple, Hog apple, May apple, American mandrake, Indian apple, Duck’s foot, Ground lemon, Mandragora, Wild lemon and Racoonberry are some of the popular common names of the plant. The plant is native to Mediterranean Sea, within the borders of Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco in North Africa southern Spain, southern Portugal, Italy included Sardinia and Sicily, (Niccolò Machiavelli wrote a novel about it), former Yugoslavia, Greece and Cyprus in southern Europe southern Turkey Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan in the Levant.

The root of this plant bifurcates resembling a pair of legs. The plant has a chubby root resembling that of a parsnip. Mandragora officinarum popularly known as Satan’s apple or mandrake is a perennial plant belonging to Solanaceae – Potato family.

The Mandrake Scream by Melisand March