| 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]
