Mandrake
Mandragora officinarum
The plant is linked to numerous beliefs.
Mandrake (scientifically known as Mandragora officinarum L, 1753) is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is commonly found in the Mediterranean region, including Crete.
Mandrake leaves are large, elongated, and arranged in rosettes. Blue-violet flowers with distinct ribs resembling veins sprout from the centre of the rosette. The plant's small yellow fruits, shaped like tiny apples, prompted Dioscorides to call it ‘antimilon’.
The large fleshy root of the mandrake has a humanoid shape. This characteristic, combined with its well-known medicinal properties, is the reason why the plant is associated with many beliefs.
It thrives in stony locations, fallow fields, and disturbed soils, and on the island, you can observe it blooming from November to early April.
Kalliopi Borboudaki, Chemical Engineer MSc, creator of the website https://butterfliesofcrete.com.
The flora of Crete
Greek Sage
Cretan Oregano or Cretan Marjoram
Colchicum Balansae - Balansa Colchico
Cretan Zelkova
Carob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)
The Cretan Date Palm
Kermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)
Ironwort
Sand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)
Cretan Cyclamen
The Cretan Cephalanthera
Dittany
Phoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited Juniper
Gallipoli Rose
Natural Monuments
Lilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)
Thyme
Oregano
Camomile
Mint
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Asperula Crassula
Carlina diae, Carlina of Dia
Anthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed Chamomile
Thymbra Calostachya
Dianthus Fruticosus Subsp. Sitiacus
Silene Holzmannii
Carlina Sitiensis
Bellevalia Sitiaca
Limonium Sitiacum
Viola Scorpiuroides
The Ancient Olive Tree of Kakodiki
Laurel
Rosemary
Common Basil
Honeysuckle
Oat
Chaste tree
Myrtle
Cretan Rockrose
Ophrys Sitiaca
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The Ancient Olive Tree of Fourfouras
Androcymbium Rechingeri
Autumn Lady's-tresses
Tournefort Crocus
Orchis Sitiaca
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Mediterranean Meadow Saffron