Boerhavia is a genus of over 100 species in the four o'clock flower family, Nyctaginaceae. Some species are annuals and others perennials. In habit they generally are herbaceous. Common names include spiderlings and hogweeds. "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. The genus was named for Herman Boerhaave, a Dutch botanist, and the genus name is frequently misspelled "Boerhaavia". Boerhavia species generally are native to warm tropical regions.