Cilantro refers to the leaves of the coriander plant. It is commonly eaten as a food or used as a spice. Cilantro can also be used as a medicine. Cilantro is taken by mouth for cancer and to remove poisonous metals such as mercury, lead, or aluminium from the body.
Coriander is grown as an annual and has feathery leaves that look like Italian parsley. It likes the cooler seasons of spring and autumn, often bolting into flower in midsummer. Plant in full sun, in light, rich soil.