Botanical Name: Herniaria hirsuta
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Caryophyllales
Genus: Herniaria
Species: H. hirsuta
Synonyms: (Herniaria cinerea)
Common Names: Hairy Rupture Wort
Habitat: Herniaria hirsuta is native to Eurasia and North Africa, and it is known on other continents, including North America, as an introduced species. It grows on Sandy ground.
Description:
Herniaria hirsuta is an annual/perennial herb with stems up to 20 cm (8 in) long usually growing prostrate along the ground. The small, fuzzy, pale green leaves are up to about a centimeter long and coat the stems. The inflorescences appear in the leaf axils. Each contains three to eight hairy green sepals and no petals. The fruit is a tiny bumpy utricle containing one seed. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Cultivation:
Grows well in hot dry soils. Dislikes excessive moisture. Succeeds in very poor soils. Useful for covering rocks or as a carpet bedding, it makes a good ground cover for spring bulbs since they can grow through it easily.
Medicinal Uses:
The plant is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of sore throats. The plant contains coumarins and saponins, which are toxic, and so it should be used with some caution.
This plant is used in Morocco as an herbal remedy for kidney stones.
Other Uses:
A good ground cover plant, allowing spring bulbs to grow through it. An aqueous extract of the plant is a hand cleanser, making the skin soft and supple.
Known Hazards: The plant contains coumarins and saponins, which are toxic, and so it should be used with some caution.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herniaria_hirsuta
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Herniaria+hirsuta
