Other Eryngium
Many relatives have spiny foliage; verify the species and full flowering structure.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Culantro.
Eryngium foetidum
Also found as Sawtooth coriander · Recao · Chadon beni
A tropical seasoning herb with long toothed leaves, used in Caribbean, Latin American and Asian cooking.
Sources checked 9 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Leaf edges and flowering bracts can be sharp. It is not the same species as coriander.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 1,940
- People who recorded it
- 1,587
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Mar–May, Nov–Dec
- Records span
- 2002–2026
| January | 109 |
|---|---|
| February | 117 |
| March | 159 |
| April | 309 |
| May | 188 |
| June | 90 |
| July | 64 |
| August | 38 |
| September | 68 |
| October | 73 |
| November | 324 |
| December | 125 |
| January | 15 |
|---|---|
| February | 24 |
| March | 16 |
| April | 31 |
| May | 38 |
| June | 14 |
| July | 26 |
| August | 14 |
| September | 25 |
| October | 33 |
| November | 26 |
| December | 14 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Long, smooth leaves in a basal rosette.
- 02
Finely toothed to spiny leaf edges.
- 03
Compact cylindrical greenish-white flower heads with pointed bracts.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native from Mexico through tropical America; cultivated in Southeast Asia.
Watch the plant stage
Tender leaves before flowering makes them tougher; active growth can continue in humid tropical conditions.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
Use leaves from a confirmed culinary plant as a seasoning.
Care for the patch
Take a few outer leaves and leave the central growing point.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Singapore NParks · CulantroBotanical description, range and documented use
Checked 9 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction