DIGITAL GARDEN

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

MEDICINAL PLANT

Eryngium foetidum L.

Eryngium foetidum L., commonly known as Culantro or Sawtooth Coriander, is a tropical plant in the Apiaceae (carrot) family. It’s native to regions of Central and South America, but is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide for its culinary and medicinal uses. Here’s a detailed look at this plant:
Botanical Characteristics:
• Scientific Name: Eryngium foetidum L.
• Common Names: Culantro, Sawtooth Coriander, Mexican Coriander, Long Coriander.
• Malayalam name- ആഫ്രിക്കൻ മല്ലി African Malli
• Tamil Name- Katu kothimali
• Family: Apiaceae
• Genus: Eryngium.
Physical Description:
• Leaves: The plant has long, narrow, and deeply serrated leaves with a strong, pungent aroma. The leaves are typically dark green and grow in a rosette form at the base of the plant.
• Size: It grows up to 40–50 cm (about 1.5 feet) in height.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, white or greenish, and clustered together in globular umbels (flower heads).
• Roots: The plant produces a taproot, and the roots are sometimes used for medicinal purposes.
Culinary Uses:
Culantro has a flavor profile similar to coriander (cilantro), but it is much stronger, spicier, and more pungent. It is used widely in Caribbean, Latin American, Southeast Asian, and Indian cuisines.
Medicinal Uses:
Eryngium foetidum is used in traditional medicine in various cultures.
• Digestive aid: It is believed to have properties that help in digestion and reducing bloating.
• Anti-inflammatory: It has been used to treat inflammatory conditions.
• Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest that it may have antimicrobial properties, useful in treating infections.