ERYNGIUM

a genus of plants belonging to the nat. ord. Umbellifere. There are upwards of 100 species found in temperate and sub-tropical climates, but chiefly in South America. EH. maeritimum, also called sea-holly, is the only truly native British species. It frequents sandy shores, and is distinguished by its rigid, spiny, glaucous, veined leaves, and its dense heads of blue flowers. The roots are sometimes candied, and are reputed to be stimulating and restorative, as well as to have aphrodisiac properties. It is mentioned by Shakespeare, Merry Wives v, 5, 23, as an aphrodisiac.