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The Mandrake, or Mandragora, is a powerful restorative plant in the Harry Potter book series. The plant has a root resembling a humanoid appearance. It is capable of reversing transfigurations and curses, including petrification if they are stewed. It grows bigger while the plant is maturing, and its cry is fatal to whoever hears it.[1]

About[]

Mandrake

In a Herbology lesson in 1992

The root is ugly, tiny, muddy and humanoid looking, and has leaves growing out of their heads. The skin is pale-green and patchy. The leaves of the plant are tiny, tufty and purple-green in colour. The cry of a fully-grown Mandrake is fatal, but seedlings will knock out those who hear its cries for hours. They grow in rows and will stop screaming when their root is safely tucked into their compost. The screams are blocked using earmuffs.[1]

It is easy to tell when a Mandrake is leaving childhood because they get sullen and detached. Eventually they will throw a party. After this, there is only a short window of time when they can be cut up and stewed to brew the Mandrake Restorative Draught.[2] They are an essential part of many antidotes.[1]

History[]

Seconds-years at Hogwarts learn about and handle seedling Mandrakes. The school provides earmuffs while they have to pot four to a tray.[1]

In September 1992, the Chamber of Secrets was opened for a second time and in time, six people ended up Petrified by a Basilisk. Professor Sprout was given the task of growing her Mandrakes to full-size until they could be cut up and stewed for a Mandrake Restorative Draught.[2] In April, the Mandrakes held a party in a greenhouse.[3] In the evening of 29 May, the Mandrake Restorative Draught was completed.[4]

Notes and sources[]