Eryngium maritimum

Sea-holly

Eryngium maritimum, commonly known as sea holly, is a resilient perennial herb native to coastal sand dunes. Distinguished by its striking blue-tinged, spiny leaves and architectural flower heads, this plant thrives in saline environments. Historically valued in traditional medicine, it offers unique bioactive properties for various therapeutic applications.

  • Scientific name: Eryngium maritimum
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Apiales, it is classified under the family Apiaceae and is identified by the genus Eryngium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Apiaceae WCVP
Genus Eryngium WCVP

Common Names

This plant is known by a variety of different common names depending on the region and language. In Poland, it is referred to as Mikołajek nadmorski, while in French Brittany, it is called Dünemfisel. In Catalonia, the plant is known as card marí, and in Hungary, it goes by the name tengerparti iringó. Furthermore, in Corsica, it is commonly identified as Cardu marinu.
Language Common Name Source
pl Mikołajek nadmorski Wikidata
frr Dünemfisel Wikidata
ca card marí Wikidata
hu tengerparti iringó Wikidata
co Cardu marinu Wikidata
de Stranddistel Wikidata
nn strandtorn Wikidata
csb Òstropùs Wikidata
da Strand-Mandstro Wikidata
sv Martorn Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several regions within Northern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing along the coastal areas of Denmark and Great Britain. Its presence also extends to the shores of Ireland, where it thrives in sandy habitats. Furthermore, the species is documented in the northern territories of Norway. Finally, it can be located across the coastline of Sweden.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Netherlands WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP

Chemicals

Eryngium maritimum has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, monoterpenes, rosmarinic acid.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epicatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
monoterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rosmarinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
trans-ferulic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Eryngium maritimum has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitussive, Aphrodisiac.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitussive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Aphrodisiac 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Eryngium maritimum has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, inflammation.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆