I am so pleased to be able to bring you this piece about the uses and properties of the mandragora, ‘mandrake’ plant, by one of the blog’s first adherents, and regular commentator, Laura Diaz-Arnes…

Magick Mandrake Plant page from herbology textbook artwork #herbology #harrypotter #botanicalposter #vintagebotanical #darkacademia #cottagecore #magicalplants #potioningredients #potionstextbook #herbologytextbook #potions #professorsprout #botanicalillustration #witchcore

Mandrake

The mandrake root legend tells of a plant that screams when pulled from the ground, supposedly killing anyone who hears it. Historical figures like Josephus and Eliphas Levi have described safe ways to harvest this root and discussed its mythical qualities. The mandrake is known for its narcotic and aphrodisiac effects and resemblance to the human form, making it a topic of interest in ancient magic and alchemy. Jean-Baptiste Pitois, in The History and Practice of Magic, outlined a ritual to…

Mandragora officinarum [as Mandragora officinalis]. Herbier général de l’amateur, vol. 8 (1817-1827) [P. Bessa] From the Swallowtail Garden Seeds collection of botanical photographs and illustrations. We hope you will enjoy these images as much as we do.

Mandrake, mandragora autumnalis The mandragora autumnalis is from the nightshade family solanaceae. It is a hardy perennial herb that can grow up to a height of 10 centimeters, and is native to the...

The first four of my Harry Potter magical plant botancial illustrations gathered together. Shrivelfig, Gillyweed, Aconite and Mandrake. For more details on each image, click through to my herbology...