Herniaria is a genus of flowering plants in the pink family 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]

Selected species:

• Herniaria cachemiriana
• Herniaria capensis
• Herniaria caucasica
• Herniaria ciliolata
• Herniaria cinerea
• Herniaria glabra
• Herniaria hirsuta
• Herniaria kotovii
• Herniaria parnassica
• Herniaria polygama
• Herniaria pujosii
• Herniaria setigera
• Herniaria suavis

References

1. ^ USDA Plants Profile: Species in North America
2. ^ Jepson Manual Treatment
3. ^ Flora of North America