eryngium

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

Eryngium
    n 1: large genus of decorative plants with thistlelike flower
         heads; cosmopolitan in distribution [syn: {Eryngium},
         {genus Eryngium}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Eryngium \E*ryn"gi*um\ ([-e]*r[i^]n"j[i^]*[u^]m), n. [NL., fr.
   Gr. 'hry`ggion, dim. of 'h`ryggos eryngo; cf. L. eryngion,
   erynge.] (Bot.)
   A large genus of umbelliferous plants somewhat like thistles
   in appearance, cosmopolitan in distribution. {Eryngium
   maritimum}, or sea holly, has been highly esteemed as an
   aphrodisiac, the roots being formerly candied.

   Syn: genus {Eryngium}.
        [1913 Webster]