All are perennial herbaceous plants, with large tap roots and leaves in the form of a rosette.

Like many members of the Solanaceae, species of Mandragora contain highly biologically active alkaloids that make the plants poisonous.

[8]) Jackson and Berry (1979)[7] and Ungricht et al. (1998)[9] have documented the subsequent confusion over the number of Mediterranean species of Mandragora and their scientific names.

[9] The size and shape of the fruit and the colour and time of appearance of the flowers have been used to distinguish possible species.

[4][7] Using statistical analysis of morphological characters, Ungricht et al. found no distinct clusters among the specimens they examined and concluded that Linnaeus's M. officinarum is a single, variable species.

[10] Traditionally, Mandragora has been considered to be closely related to Atropa and Lycium, being grouped together in the same tribe or subtribe as at least the first of these genera.

Two studies that separate plants found in the Levant (Mandragora autumnalis) from those found in the rest of the Mediterranean area (Mandragora officinarum) suggest that there are two clades in the genus - one based in the Mediterranean and beyond to Turkmenistan and Iran, and one in the Sino-Himalayan region.

Alkaloids present include atropine, apoatropine, belladonnine, cuscohygrine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine (hyoscine), 3α-tigloyloxytropane, and 3α,6β-ditigloyloxytropane.

[19][22] Clinical reports of the effects of consumption of plants described as M. autumnalis (M. offinarum sensu lato) include severe symptoms similar to those of atropine poisoning, including blurred vision, dilation of the pupils (mydriasis), dryness of the mouth, difficulty in urinating, dizziness, headache, vomiting, blushing, and a rapid heart rate (tachycardia).

[23][24][25] Mandragora species have a long use in traditional medicine, extracts being used for their real or supposed aphrodisiac, hypnotic, emetic, purgative, sedative, and pain-killing effects.

[27] The presence of deliriant and hallucinogenic alkaloids and the sometimes vaguely humanoid shape of their roots have led to mandrakes being associated with a variety of myths and superstitious practices throughout history.