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Mandrake

Mandragora officinalis

Bed: "The Witch's Cave"

Toxicity:

Longevity: unknown

History

Used in antiquity by Egyptians and Greeks as a medicinal plant. It was, however, especially as a magical herb that the plant became famous, since the thick, often human-like root was believed to have strong, magical powers, which brought its bearer fortune in life. Particulary powerful mandrake was believed to grow on a gallows hill, where an innocent man had voided his bladder during his execution.