Longitudinal section of a portion of the capitate umbel of Eryngium bourgatii from an illustration by Michael Hickey. "Some Botany on the Eryngo Plants and Sea Hollies"; was published in "Botany for Beginners" part II, Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society.

This capitate umbel is solid and fleshy, supporting numerous florets that mature from the bottom upwards. At the base of each floret is a small stiff and pointed bracteole. There is a large bract which extends well beyond the length of the maturest flower. This large bract reaches up to 10cm.