Eryngium foetidum

NAME: Eryngium foetidum

FAMILY: Apiaceae (Carrot family)

COMMON NAMES: Culantro, Mexican coriander, Long coriander, Sawtooth coriander

LOCAL NAMES: N/A

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Eryngium foetidum is a herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of about 30-60 centimeters. It has long, serrated leaves that resemble parsley or cilantro leaves but with a more elongated shape and distinct jagged edges. The leaves are dark green and have a strong aroma. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers arranged in spherical clusters that are surrounded by spiky bracts.

USEFUL PART(s): The leaves and stems of Eryngium foetidum are primarily used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Culinary Uses: Eryngium foetidum is widely used as a culinary herb, especially in Caribbean, Latin American, and Asian cuisines. The leaves have a pungent, cilantro-like flavor with hints of citrus and are often used as a cilantro substitute in dishes. It adds a distinctive flavor to salsas, chutneys, curries, soups, stews, and various meat and seafood dishes.

  2. Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, Eryngium foetidum is valued for its potential medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. It is used to alleviate digestive issues, treat fevers, relieve respiratory problems, and promote overall well-being.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Eryngium foetidum is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia and Africa. It is widely cultivated in these regions and can also be found growing in the wild.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Eryngium foetidum, like other plants, appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll in its leaves. Chlorophyll is a pigment that captures sunlight during photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue wavelengths of light while reflecting green light, giving plants their characteristic green color.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Eryngium foetidum, as a native plant, can provide habitat and food for various beneficial insects and pollinators. Its presence in ecosystems contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance. However, it's important to prevent the plant from becoming invasive in non-native regions where it may outcompete native plant species.

FUN FACT: Eryngium foetidum is known by different names in different regions. In the Caribbean, it is commonly called "culantro," while in Mexico, it is known as "Mexican coriander." The leaves of Eryngium foetidum are often mistaken for cilantro, but they have a unique flavor that sets them apart.

Further Reading:

  1. "Culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.): A Review of Its Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology." By V. Pino and others.

  2. "Culantro: A Coriander Substitute." By M. H. Chee and others.

  3. "Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Potential of Eryngium foetidum L." By M. A. Islam and others.