A plant family of the order Caryophyllales, subclass Caryophyllidae, class Magnoliopsida. The species are diverse in appearance and habitat; most have swollen leaf and stem joints.

Members contain TRITERPENES.

Synonyms: Ruptureworts txid1205700 Rupturewort Spergularia Cerastiums Brachystemma Caryophyllaceae Herniarias txid115623 Mouse-ear Chickweeds Drymaria Spergularias Chickweed, Mouse-ear Cerastium txid157640 txid3579 txid3568 Drymarias txid191452 Mouse-ear Chickweed Brachystemmas Chickweed, Mouse ear Herniaria Chickweeds, Mouse-ear