Holosteum

Holosteum (lat. Holosteum) — a genus of herbaceous plants of the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae).

The scientific name of the genus comes from Greek 'holos' - whole and 'osteon' - bone, literally "whole bone." It was named by the principle of antiphrasis, in opposition to its properties. K. Linnaeus used this word as a specific epithet (Stellaria holostea — lance-leaved starwort, or stiff-leaved stitchwort). The Russian botanical name "костенец" is a translation of the Latin name.

Natural distribution areas are Europe, Middle, Central and Southwestern Asia. It grows on slopes, in foothills, on saline soils (solonchaks) and sands, on river pebble banks, in oases, and rarely in cultivated fields.

Annual plants 3 to 30 cm tall with erect stems, partly covered with short hairs, less often glabrous. Stem leaves 1–3 pairs, sessile, ovate or lanceolate-linear, glaucous, slightly pubescent.

Inflorescence terminal, umbel-like. Flowers bisexual, composed of 5 petals, white, less often light pink.
Fruit — an oblong capsule dehiscing outward with reflexed teeth. Seeds small, brownish.

The plant is used in folk medicine (leaves).