Eryngium pandanifolium


Eryngium pandanifolium, or pandan-like-leaved eryngo or caraguata, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Eryngium of the family Apiaceae, native to southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, and introduced in Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Its leaves, which closely resemble those of the unrelated Pampas grass are up to long while only wide.

Subtaxa

The following varieties are currently accepted:
  • Eryngium pandanifolium var. chamissonis Mathias & Constance
  • Eryngium pandanifolium var. lassauxii Mathias & Constance

Invasive species

Eryngium pandanifolium is legally classified as an invasive species in Portugal since 1999. It has settled in damp areas around the Tagus and Mondego river basins.