Thanks everyone, so far have had no luck with finding the plants for photographic purposes, as the seeds are illegal to important and most specialists nurseries or botanic gardens who could grow them simply don't, though I spoke to some botanists who knew the plant. I wonder if I will ever get a look at it!
the-lada-dude,
Jan 4, 7:35pm
x2
if you" POTTER 'around in the garden, you'll eventually come across them
gyrogearloose,
Jan 4, 9:24pm
Harvesting is easier with a dog:
"A furrow must be dug around the root until its lower part is exposed, then a dog is tied to it, after which the person tying the dog must get away. The dog then endeavours to follow him, and so easily pulls up the root, but dies suddenly instead of his master. After this the root can be handled without fear."
deathrockboy,
Jan 4, 11:05pm
As i said before, the seeds are not illegal to import. I don't know who told you that but the plant is listed on the biosecurity index and so the seeds are legal to import.
sumstyle,
Jan 5, 8:55am
Heh heh - luv the HP references - clever people
joel231,
Dec 11, 10:58pm
Hello! I am writing a magazine article for an Australian publication, and part of the topic is Mandrake plants (Mandragora officinarum). I am trying to find out if this plant is available in New Zealand, wild or cultivated. Botanic gardens and nurseries don't seem to have any idea about it. Any tips would be appreciated!
lemming2,
Dec 12, 1:21am
Doubt it's here. It's not listed in my book of weeds (which includes some cultivated ssp growing out of place) nor is it in any of my books of perennials. Given its mainly somewhat obscure uses as a medicinal herb, and not being particularly attractive (along with the witchcraft associations) perhaps no-one's ever bothered with it. And it's not a native.
deathrockboy,
Dec 12, 1:52am
It's listed on the biosecurity index, so most likely has been here at some stage. Importing of the seed is legal. Never seen it growing here before though.
thunderstorm,
Dec 13, 8:47am
watch those mandrakes, their scream can knock you out :)
oh_hunnihunni,
Oct 18, 3:19pm
Yeah, harvesting in the dark is tricky too.
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