Mandragora, commonly known as mandrake, is a plant from the nightshade family, recognizable for its large, dark green leaves and bell-shaped purple or white flowers. It's most famous for its humanoid root, which is often steeped in folklore and associated with magical practices. Historically, pulling up the root was believed to emit a deadly scream.
The root, when fresh, has a fragrance that is earthy and intense, with a slightly sweet undertone reminiscent of ginseng. As it dries, it develops a muskier, woody scent infused with subtle hints of tobacco. The overall aroma of mandragora is complex, combining moldy, soil-like notes with a robust, herbaceous profile that can also evoke liquorice nuances. This unique and powerful scent profile makes mandragora an intriguing element in certain historical fragrance formulations, particularly those mimicking the scents of mystical or enchanted forests.