Herniaria | |
---|---|
Herniaria glabra | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
Genus: | Herniaria L. |
Species | |
20-45, see text |
Herniaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae known generally as ruptureworts.[1] They are native to Eurasia and Africa but several species have been widely introduced to other continents. These are flat, mat-forming annual herbs.[2] The genus gets its scientific and common names from the once-held belief that species could be used as an herbal remedy for hernias.[3]