SafePlants

*Eryngium foetidum* - Decoding Spirit Weed

This versatile herb goes by many names, reflecting its widespread use and diverse applications. Often called spirit weed, it is also known as long coriander, wild or Mexican coriander, fitweed, stinkweed, duck-tongue herb, sawtooth or saw-leaf herb, and culantro.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant's leaves have sawtooth or saw-like edges, which could be a potential concern for pets that might chew on them.
• The text mentions that the whole plant, including the roots, has specialized cells and contains chemical compounds such as Eryngial. The implications of this for animal consumption are not clarified.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's leaves have sawtooth or saw-like edges, which could be a potential concern if handled carelessly.
• The whole plant, including the roots, has specialized cells and contains chemical compounds such as Eryngial. The implications of this are not clarified.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: *Eryngium foetidum*
• Family: Not explicitly stated in the text.

Distribution and Habitat

While not explicitly stated, the various common names (Mexican coriander, etc.) and mentions of its use in Guatemala and other countries suggest a broad distribution, particularly in the Americas.

Morphological Characteristics

• The leaves are described as being different from cilantro, not having "delicate parsley-like leaves," suggesting a coarser texture.
• Leaves are sometimes described as "sawtooth" or "saw-leaf," indicating serrated edges.
• Leaves can be entire, toothed, notched, folded, or rolled.

Traditional Uses

• Spirit weed is a traditional medicinal herb.
• It's considered a tonic for people with poor eating habits.
• The entire plant can be used as herbal medicine and spice.
• In some countries, the stems, roots, and leaves are eaten raw.
• It's believed to calm a person's "spirit" and prevent epileptic "fits."
• In Guatemalan herbal medicine, it is called "apacn" and a leaf is used for unspecified purposes.