American Mandrake
Podophyllum peltatum

Other Names: Mayapple, Devil's Apple, Hog-apple, Indian Apple, American Mandrake, American May Apple, Racoonberry, Wild Lemon

Habitat: (Podophyllum peltatum) Perennial native herb found growing in moist soils in rich woods, thickets and pastures Eastern N. America - Southern Maine to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota. Cultivation: is fairly easy using seedling transplants or seed sown in fall. Prefers rich well drained soil and partial shade. Growing to about 18 inches high, the stem separates into two large, dark green, long stemmed, palmate, lobed, leaves. Looking almost like umbrellas to protect the large white flower on a short peduncle, growing right in-between the leaves, flowers bloom in April to may. Spring flowers turn into crab apple size edible fruits, gather in late summer when fully ripe. The roots are dark brown, fibrous and jointed, gather roots after foliage dies back, dry for later herb use.

Properties: American Mandrake is medicinal and edible (fruit), used extensively by Native Americans. The fully ripe fruit is eaten raw, cooked or made into jams, jellies, marmalades, pies. It is very aromatic, and has a sweet peculiar but agreeable flavor. The seeds and rind are not edible, said to be poisonous. The root and plant contain valuable constituents Quercetin, Kaempferol, Podophyllin, Isorhamnetin, Gallic-acid, Berberine, Alpha-peltatin, that are being studied for their healing, anticancer and other properties. The root is used as a medicinal herb, it is antibilious, cathartic, cytostatic, hydrogogue and purgative, it should only be used by professional Herbalists. It is a most powerful and useful alternative medicine. A possible treatment for cancer is being tested as it contains podophyllin, which has an antimiotic effect (it interferes with cell division and can thus prevent the growth of cells). The resin, which is obtained from the root, is used in the treatment of warts. The whole plant, apart from the ripe fruit, is highly poisonous in large doses. American Mandrake herb produces nausea and vomiting, and even inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which has been known to prove fatal. In moderate doses, it is a drastic purgative with some cholagogue action. Not a medicinal herb to be used during pregnancy, may cause birth defects.

CLICK HERE TO FIND MANY HERBAL PRODUCTS!

Folklore: Once called the witches umbrella and thought to be employed by them as a poison, which may not be untrue! The English version of this plant has much lore told of it, being called Manroot (mandrake) believed to be alive and its screams when pulled from the ground would render a man permanently insane.

TRY THIS RECIPE

Jelly or sweet relish: Peel and deseed the ripe fruit and use your favorite jelly making skills with it. Also good fresh.