Mandrakes in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What are Mandrakes?
MAN'DRAKES
(Heb. love-plants). Modern Bible scholars apply this name to a member of the potato family (Mandragora officinalis). Mandrake. (Atropa Mandragora. After Tristram.) This is a stemless plant with a disk of leaves almost as long, but not nearly as broad, as those of the garden rhubarb, which it somewhat resembles, except in its blossoms. These are of a rich purple, and, appearing among the leaves very early, are followed about wheat-harvest by a round yellow pulpy fruit of the size of a large plum and of a sweet and agreeable flavor. The odor of the plant seems to be enjoyed by Orientals, Cant. Song 7:13, and by some Occidentals. Many strange superstitions are connected with this plant, and the idea of Rachel's time still prevails that conception is ensured by eating the fruit of this plant. Gen 30:14-16.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'mandrakes' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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