I have been given a small pot of an herb called "Mexican Cilantro" (Coriandrum Sativum). It looks nothing like common cilantro,"corriander". Its leaves are long , thin, and pointed, with serrated edges and only very slight cilantro odor. It has what appears to be starburst-like flower bud forming. Can I expect to use this plant as an herb or is it an ornamental?

[mudbug]

Use it as an herb. Search for recipes at www.metacrawler.com by searching for mexican cilantro.

You can try www.kitchenlink.com and post a request for recipes there.

[m brown]

agree with cchiu, herb, great in everything from guacamole to seafood marinade.
sounds like yours is going to seed, plant em.

cchiu and m brown. Are you sure you read my description of this plant. It is not common cilantro which looks a lot like italian parsley. This looks more like a cactus with its long, thin, serrated leaves. I have used common cilantro for years and all of the referenced recipes seem to refer to it. This stuff is different and I have found no description of it in any of the horticultural sites.

I have found the answer to my "Mexican Cilantro". It is erygnium foetida. It is a perenial and has the cilantro flavor but is used more like bay leaf due to the serrated edges on the leaves. The leaf is added whole during cooking but removed before serving

[m brown]

jbott,
I wish you could post the picture! We'll look for this at the herb farm. Thanks!