Culantro - Eryngium foetidum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images, Edible)

Culantro

Also known as: Long Coriander, Spiritweed

Culantro, not to be confused with cilantro or coriander, is a culinary herb with a strong flavor used in dishes across East Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Cultivation is increasing as demand for this herb grows in economies around the world. In tropical areas, this herb can be grown as a perennial, but it will likely only grow as an annual in colder areas.

Scientific classification

Species

Culantro (Eryngium foetidum)

Carrots, ivies and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

50 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green, White

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Culantro

Distribution of Culantro

Distribution Map

Culantro is indigenous to the tropical regions of the Americas, thriving in various environments from Mexico to northern South America. It has been introduced outside its native range to other tropical and subtropical areas across Asia and Africa. Its prevalence spans continents, and it has adapted to a wide spectrum of ecological conditions without specific allocation to any country.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Open rocky places, meadows, plantations, waste places, roadsides, forest edges

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Culantro is sometimes found in tropical herb gardens. Leaves on the plant are occasionally harvested, but it is also prized for its ability to produce flowers and seeds throughout the year, adding continual interest to the garden setting.

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Weed Control

Culantro is native to tropical regions of the Americas. It has been cultivated widely and now has a pan-tropic distribution, having been introduced to Africa, Asia, Oceania, and other regions of the Americas. It is considered a weed in some contexts, such as in grasslands and in gardens. It is defined as invasive in 12 countries and islands. It has spiny leaves that are considered bothersome. It readily becomes established in disturbed areas, cultivated areas, and along roadsides. Herbicides have been effective in controlling culantro in contexts where it is not desired.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of culantro is during late spring and early summer. This is because the plant is at its weakest state during these periods. It's crucial to remove or control this weed before it enters its flowering and seeding stage to prevent further spreading.

Hand-pulling: This is a basic and straightforward method. All you need are gardening gloves to protect your hands. Ensure you pull out the entire root, not just the visible part above the soil. Discard removed plants far from your garden to prevent them from regrowing.
Smothering: You can control culantro with a smothering method. Place a sheet of cardboard or layers of newspaper over the culantro plants and wet them thoroughly. Add a thick layer of organic mulch on top. Over time, this method will suffocate and kill culantro by blocking sunlight and occupying its growth space.
Use of Organic Herbicides: Choose an organic, non-selective herbicide which can be purchased from a garden center. Spray it over culantro plants, ensuring full coverage. Be careful not to overspray onto desired plants, as these herbicides can kill other plants too. Follow all instructions on the product label for safety and best results.
Planting Competing Plants: This is a more ecological way to control culantro. Plant vigorous competing plants, such as thick grasses, shrubs, or ground cover plants. These plants can outcompete culantro for sunlight, nutrients, and space.
Solarization: This method involves using the sun's rays to kill culantro. Start by chopping off culantro at the ground level. Then, water the area thoroughly, and cover it with clear plastic sheeting. Secure the edges of the sheeting with rocks or soil. Leave this setup in place for about 4-6 weeks during hot, sunny weather. The sun will heat up the soil to high temperatures that kill culantro and its seeds.

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Care Guide for Culantro

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Native to tropical regions, culantro thrives in high humidity and consistently moist environments. Weekly watering ensures adequate hydration without root oversaturation. Preferred outdoors in warm climates, culantro benefits from rainwater, mimicking natural precipitation from its native habitat.

Propagation: Culantro propagates most effectively through sowing in Spring. The process is straightforward, with successful growth indicated by emerging seedlings. For best results, plant seeds in moist, well-draining soil and ensure regular watering.

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Images of Culantro

Distribution of Culantro

Culture

Weed Control

Care Guide for Culantro

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