Common Name:

General Information

Eryngium pandanifolium is a perennial plant growing up to 250cm tall.
A fibre obtained from the leaves is used locally.
The plant has become naturalized as a weed in southwest Europe

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and northeast Argentina. Naturalized in S.W. Europe.

Habitat

Naturalized on the banks of ditches in Portugal.

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Beetles
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eryngium pandanifolium is a plant of mainly subtropical areas, just moving into the tropical zone. It is not very hardy in temperate regions but has survived occasional, short-lived temperatures down to around -10°c when grown in a very well-drained soil and a sheltered position[].
Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position[]. Prefers a light sandy soil but tolerates most soil types including lime and poor gravels[]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[].
Plants should be put in their final position whilst small since they resent root disturbance[].
A very ornamental plant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the leaves is used for cordage[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn on the surface of a well-drained compost in a cold frame[]. The seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 5 - 90 days at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in early spring or autumn. Take care since the plant resents root disturbance[].
Root cuttings in autumn or winter[].