elatina

Elatina is a genus of annual plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. These plants are native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Western Asia. They are characterized by their small size, typically growing to a few centimeters in height, and their delicate, often pink or white flowers. The leaves are usually small and somewhat fleshy. Elatina species are often found in damp, sandy, or rocky areas, frequently in ephemeral habitats such as dried-up puddles or the edges of seasonal water bodies.

The genus Elatina is closely related to the genus *Illecebrum*. There are several species within Elatina, though their exact number and classification can vary depending on taxonomic interpretation. Some of the commonly recognized species include Elatina hydropiper, Elatina triloba, and Elatina macropoda. These plants are not widely cultivated and are primarily of interest to botanists and ecologists studying plant diversity and adaptation to specific environmental conditions. Their small size and preference for transient habitats can make them easily overlooked, contributing to their relatively low profile in general botanical literature.