A low plant (
Mandragora officinarum) of the Nightshade family, having a fleshy root, often forked, and supposed to resemble a man. It was therefore supposed to have animal life, and to cry out when pulled up. All parts of the plant are strongly narcotic. It is found in the Mediterranean region. [
1913 Webster]
" The mandrake of Scripture was perhaps the same plant, but proof is wanting."
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"And shrieks like mandrakes, torn out of the earth,
That living mortals, hearing them, run mad."
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