Mandragora autumnalis root, harvested and washed. "The autumn mandrake (Mandragora autumnalis) was once regarded as 'the little mandrake woman' (...) contains the same tropane alkaloids as Mandragora officinarum. Little is known about its effects." - Christian Rätsch, Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants "Dioscorides thus describes three varieties of mandragora. The last named,
> Rowan is frequently found planted outside the home for the specific purpose of attracting the good spirits of Elphame, to watch and ward the domicile. Its wood is like unto Beech, being of eldritch power aligned unto the Fallen Folk, and its fresh berries are a favoured fruit at the
Cephalotus follicularis leaves (yes; leaves) wait for a snack with bated breath.
Borago officinalis starts blooming and unfolding in early spring.
The first Calendula flower blooms and signals the very last days of winter here. When spring is walking in (be it rain or sun) a dozen more blooms follow. The white speckles are grains of pine pollen, found everywhere these windy days.