Boerhavia is a
genus of over 100
species in the
Nyctaginaceae family. The genus was named for
Herman Boerhaave, a
Dutch botanist, and the genus name is frequently misspelled "Boerhaavia". Common names include spiderlings and hogweeds.
The genus was named for the Dutch botanist Herman Boerhaave, and often misspelt as "Boerhaavia". Common names include spiderlings and hogweeds.[citation needed]
"Spiderling" refers to the appearance of those species that bear
inflorescences on numerous long, slender stems, interlocking in a manner suggestive of a
spider or spider's web.
Boerhavia species generally are native to warm tropical regions.
Significance
Several species of Boerhavia are of importance as agricultural and horticultural weeds. Some are valued as
forage for grazing livestock, and some, such as Boerhavia erecta, also are of use as human food and
folk medicine.[citation needed]