MAY APPLE

the fruit of the Podophyllum peltatum, a woodland plant of the barberry genus, commonly known as the American Mandrake. The latter title is unfortunate, as the Mandrake proper, a plant growing in Mediterranean regions, is poisonous and the connection of names has resulted in the May Apple also being popularly so considered—quite incorrectly, for it may be eaten freely with impunity. It deserves to be more generally known and used, its characteristic flavor being especially suitable for marmalades. [s. 383]