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]

Herniaria
Herniaria glabra
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Herniaria
L.
Species

20-45, see text

Selected species

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References

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