Eryngium foetidum is a tropical
perennial and
annual herb in the family
Apiaceae. Its scientific
Latin name literally translates as "foul-smelling thistle". Common names include
culantro ( or ),
Mexican coriander and
long coriander. It is native to
Mexico and
South America, but is cultivated worldwide. In the
United States, where it is not well known outside
Latino and
Caribbean communities, the name culantro sometimes causes confusion with
Coriandrum sativum (also in Apiaceae), the leaves of which are known as cilantro, and of which culantro is said to taste like a stronger version.