What is "eryngium"

Eryngium \E*ryn"gi*um\ ([-e]*r[i^]n"j[i^]*[u^]m), n. [NL., fr. Gr. 'hry`ggion, dim. of 'h`ryggos eryngo; cf. L. eryngion, erynge.] (Bot.) A large genus of umbelliferous plants somewhat like thistles in appearance, cosmopolitan in distribution. Eryngium maritimum, or sea holly, has been highly esteemed as an aphrodisiac, the roots being formerly candied.

Syn: genus Eryngium.

Snakeroot \Snake"root`\, n. (Bot.) Any one of several plants of different genera and species, most of which are (or were formerly) reputed to be efficacious as remedies for the bites of serpents; also, the roots of any of these.

Note: The Virginia snakeroot is Aristolochia Serpentaria; black snakeroot is Sanicula, esp. S. Marilandica, also Cimicifuga racemosa; Seneca snakeroot is Polygala Senega; button snakeroot is Liatris, also Eryngium; white snakeroot is Eupatorium ageratoides. The name is also applied to some others besides these.

n. (context botany English) Any of the genus ''Eryngium'' of umbelliferous plants resembling thistles.

Eryngium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae. There are about 250 species. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with the center of diversity in South America. Common names include eryngo and sea holly (though the genus is not related to the true hollies, Ilex).

These are annual and perennial herbs with hairless and usually spiny leaves. The dome-shaped umbels of steely blue or white flowers have whorls of spiny basal bracts. Some species are native to rocky and coastal areas, but the majority are grassland plants.