Eryngium carlinae aka Gravat

Eryngium carlinae is a small plant in the Apiaceae family. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. One known common name is gravatá. Its native range starts in Mexico. It runs through Central America to Panama. Kew places it in a tropical biome with a dry season. Yet records show it grows on both moist and dry ground. It grows at mid and high levels above sea level. These sites lie in tropical and subtropical regions. Most records come from the higher sites.

The plant has a thick root and stays low. Its stems may lie on the ground or stand upright. Useful Tropical Plants gives its height as about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. Its fuller account says plants stay below 1 foot [0.3 metres]. The evidence gives no width for a full-grown plant. Nor does it give a measured size range in gardens. It gives no leaf or bark details for this species. The RHS gives leaf and flower traits for the genus only. These do not show this species’ exact form.

Wild plants grow in meadows, pastures, and on dry, rocky slopes. Some grow on limestone; others grow in alpine areas. Records span heights of about 3,280–11,155 feet [1,000–3,400 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants says to grow it in full sun. It calls for soil that drains well, with a mid-range level of fertility. The evidence gives no set plan for when to water. It gives no frost limit, either. Mountain sites alone do not show its hardiness in gardens. The sources give no bloom season, flower colour, or fruit details.

The source lists three ways to raise more plants. These are seed, root cuttings, and division, or splitting plants. It warns that the plant dislikes work around its roots. Take care with the roots when you split it. The account deals with wild plants gathered for home medicine. It gives no tested use in garden borders. It names no pests, diseases, or other growing problems. It lists no other practical uses.

Past uses include diarrhoea and some health complaints in women. The source also notes a boiled herb mix for children’s gut complaints. These past uses do not prove that treatment is safe. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known food uses or hazards. The lack of known hazards does not prove safety for people or pets.