Hornungia

Hornungia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae, commonly known as the mustards or cabbages. The genus is native to the Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Plants in this genus are typically small, annual herbs with a rosette of basal leaves and a slender, erect stem bearing small white flowers. The fruit is a silique, a type of dry fruit characteristic of the Brassicaceae family.

Species within Hornungia are often found in arid or disturbed habitats, such as roadsides, fields, and wastelands. They are generally inconspicuous plants, and their small size and short life cycle can make them difficult to spot. Some species have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, though this is not widespread. The genus is named in honor of the German botanist Johann Georg Hornung.

The taxonomy of Hornungia has undergone revisions, and some species previously included in this genus have been reclassified into other genera, such as Pseuderucaria or Erucaria. The exact number of species currently recognized within Hornungia can vary depending on the taxonomic authority. Ongoing research in plant systematics continues to refine our understanding of the relationships between these small, often overlooked, members of the Brassicaceae family.