Mandrake, Turkmenian (Mandragora turcomanica), potted plant, organic

Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae)

Hardy to Zones 6 to 10

(Turkmenian Mandrake) Perennial.  Native to the Kopet Dag mountains of Afghanistan. Extremely rare and possibly extirpated in the wild. Traditional usage (TWM): fertility, aphrodisiac, a magical totem, relieve pain, promote sleep.  Source of tropane alkaloids–do not ingest.   Plant prefers alkaline pH—deep, sandy soils, dry, in the part-shade.  The plant begins its vegetative cycle in the midwinter, flowers in the spring, fruits, and goes quickly dormant in the summer, then re-sprouts from beneath the callus in fall or spring.  Keep crowns in perfect drainage.  I plant mine in deep sand mulch on the shady side of rocks. Flower color violet.  Flower to 16 inches, giving way to green, apple-like fruits that eventually turn orange and soft before harvest.  The smell is exquisite.  Space plants 3 feet apart

potted seedling plant in a 3-inch pot, Certified Organically Grown