Mexican Coriander PLANT – Perennial Coriander – Sawtooth Coriander – Culantro – Heirloom & Untreated – Eryngium foetidum
Bring a bold, aromatic punch to your garden with this heirloom, untreated Mexican Coriander plant (Eryngium foetidum), also known as Sawtooth Coriander or Culantro. This evergreen perennial herb is a fantastic substitute for common coriander (cilantro), especially if you struggle with regular coriander bolting in hot weather. Unlike its annual cousin, Mexican coriander thrives in heat and humidity, providing a steady supply of flavourful leaves year after year.
This hardy herb is a staple in tropical and subtropical kitchens, particularly in Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines. Its long, serrated leaves offer a stronger, more robust coriander flavour that stands up beautifully to cooking – add it to salsas, curries, stir‑fries, marinades, and soups.
Uses & Flavour:
Culinary: Use fresh or cooked in beans, meat, poultry, fish, and traditional dishes like tucupi (cassava sap). It is highly regarded in Amazonian food culture (see note below).
Preserving: Leaves can be frozen, dried, or made into pestos and herb pastes.
Nutrients & Health Benefits (Traditional & Scientific):
Mexican coriander is not just flavourful – it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. According to Rodrigues et al. (2022):
“The species is widely used as a flavouring condiment in beans, meat, duck, and fish, and in the preparation of tucupi (cassava sap), showing to have great importance for the Amazonian food culture. In traditional medicine, it has analgesic, antibacterial, antiflu, and antipyretic applications.”
Additional benefits include:
Rich in iron and calcium – supports healthy blood and bones.
Contains vitamins A, B2, and C – for immunity and skin health.
Digestive aid – traditionally used to relieve bloating and stomach discomfort.
Note: Always do your own research before using any plant medicinally, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medication.
Growing Conditions & Planting Tips:
Mexican coriander is remarkably easy to grow when given the right conditions:
Climate: Best suited for subtropical and tropical regions (QLD, NT). In cooler areas like NSW, VIC, and SA, grow it in a pot and move it to a sheltered position or indoors during winter.
Position: Prefers semi‑shade to light shade. Full afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, especially in hot climates.
Soil: Loves rich, well‑draining soil. Enrich with compost or organic matter for best results. Raised garden beds or pots with drainage holes are ideal.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It does not like to sit in water. Water deeply after planting, then as required.
Fertilising: A light application of seaweed solution or organic compost every few weeks encourages lush leaf growth.
Flowering: The plant produces small, spiky flowers. Pinch them off to encourage more leaf production, or leave some to attract beneficial insects.
Care After Receiving Your Plant:
Your Mexican Coriander plant has been grown with love. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:
Unpack immediately – Remove from packaging and check the soil moisture. If dry, give it a light drink.
Rest & recover – Place the plant in a sheltered, semi‑shaded spot out of strong wind for 2–3 days. This reduces transplant shock.
Slow sun introduction – Most of our nursery plants grow in partial shade. If you plan to move it to a brighter position, do so gradually over 5–7 days.
Transplant – Re‑pot into a larger pot or plant directly into the ground when roots begin to show through the drainage holes.
Water in well – Give it a deep, thorough watering straight after planting. Then water regularly to keep soil evenly moist (but not soggy).
Mulch lightly – A thin layer of sugar cane or straw mulch helps retain moisture, but keep it away from the stem.
What You Will Receive:
One young, healthy Mexican Coriander plant in a small pot, grown naturally with love in my permaculture food forest (Pacific Haven, QLD).
Shipping & Important Notes:
Dispatch: We usually send plants on Mondays to ensure they arrive fresh and before the weekend.
Shipping locations: Sending within Australia only, not to NORFOLK ISLAND, NT, SA, TAS, or WA.
Pickup: Available by appointment from Pacific Haven, QLD.
Please note: Do your own research before trying any new foods or herbal remedies. Also refer to our full disclaimer in the footer of this page.
Pro Tip: Our plants thrive in slightly raised garden beds – ideal for optimal growth.
References: Rodrigues TLM, Silva MEP, Gurgel ESC, Oliveira MS, Lucas FCA. Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae): A Literature Review of Traditional Uses, Chemical Composition, and Pharmacological Activities. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 Mar 14;2022:2896895. doi: 10.1155/2022/2896895. PMID: 35321504; PMCID: PMC8938054.
