HERNIARIA, RUPTURE-WORT: A genus of the digynia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 11th order, Sarmentacea. The calyx is quinque partite; there is no corolla; there are five barren stamens, and a monospermous capsule.
Species. There are four species, of which the only remarkable one is the glabra, or smooth rupture-wort, a native of many parts of England. It is a low trailing plant, with leaves like the smaller chickweed; the flowers come out in clusters from the side of the stalks at the joints, and are of a yellowish green colour.
Uses, &c. This plant is a little saltish and astringent. The juice takes away specks in the eye. Cows, sheep, and horses, eat the plant; goats and swine refuse it.