ERYNGO, t.-rIn'gro (Lat. eryngion, crynge, Gk. hpirrytov, ('ryngion, iperryn, erynge, eryngo) , Eryngium. A genus of plants of the natural or der Umbelliferre. which have simple umbels. re sembling the heads of some composite flowers. The species number about 150, and are mostly natives of the warmer temperate parts of the world, with alternate simple or divided leaves. which have marginal spines. One species, the sea eryngo or sea-holly (Eryagiurn maritimum), which is common in the British Isles and is fre quent on sandy seashores, is a very stiff, rigid, and glaucous plant. Eryngium campestre has also been found in England and Ireland, but is very rare. Its root was formerly much employed in some parts of Europe as a tonic. The root of Eryngium maritimum is used in the same way, possesses the same properties, and is sweet and aromatic. It is sold in a candied state, and was formerly re puted to be a stimulant, restorative, and aphro disiac. Eryngo-root has also been used as an
aperient and diuretic. Linmvus recommends the blanched shoots of Eryngium maritimum as a substitute for asparagus. Eryngium ffetidum. a native of the warm parts of America, is called fit weed in the West Indies, a decoction of it being much used as a remedy in hysterical cases. Eryngium yuccrefolium, a native of low, wet places in North and South America. is called rattlesnake-master and button-snakeroot. The root is diaphoretic and expectorant. and has a spurious reputation as a cure for the bite of a rattlesnake. A number of species are cultivated as ornamentals on account of their curious habit of growth and the steel-blue color of their stems and bracts.