Mandragora officinarum

mandrake man"drake (m[a^]n"dr[=a]k), n. [AS. mandragora, L. mandragoras, fr. Gr. mandrago`ras: cf. F. mandragore.] 1. (Bot.) 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]

And shrieks like mandrakes, torn out of the earth, That living mortals, hearing them, run mad. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Note: The mandrake of Scripture was perhaps the same plant, but proof is wanting. [1913 Webster]

2. (Bot.) The May apple ({Podophyllum peltatum}). See {May apple} under {May}, and {Podophyllum}. [U.S.] [1913 Webster]