A hardy perennial with a creeping rhizome, and usually branched stems, it is 30-45 cm (12-18 in) tall. The large leaves are deeply divided into 4-7 wedge-shaped segments, lobed at the tops. Small, drooping white flowers, with yellow centers, are followed by fleshy, lemon-shaped fruits. The whole plant has an unpleasant smell.
History and traditions
A poisonous herb, Podophyllum peltatum was formerly used by Native Americans as a powerful purgative medicine, vermifuge and wart remover. They also made it into an insecticide for potato crops and reputedly took it to commit suicide. It was introduced to Western medicine in the 1780s by a German doctor involved in the American War of Independence and by 1820 was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia. It is called May apple for the juicy fruits, which were sometimes eaten, despite their relative toxicity. The generic name comes from the Greek for pods, a foot, and pylon, a leaf, for its supposed resemblance to a bird’s webbed foot. The specific term, peltatum, means shield-shaped. Despite being called mandrake it is not related to Mandragora. In recent years, the active ingredient, podophyllotoxin, has been isolated for use in anti-cancer drugs.
Growth
Grow in humus-rich, moist soil in dappled shade. Propagated by division of runners.
Parts used
Rhizomes extracted for commercial drugs.
Uses
Medicinal
It is a component of pharmaceutical drugs for treating certain cancers.
