Asperugo is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae (order Boraginales), containing only a single species: Asperugo procumbens, commonly known as German madwort. The genus belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the vascular plant division Tracheophyta.
Asperugo procumbens is an annual herb whose slender stems trail along the ground, reaching 20 to 60 centimetres in length without rooting at the nodes. The leaves are predominantly alternate along the stem but may be arranged oppositely near the tips. Like many members of the Boraginaceae, the plant produces small flowers characteristic of the borage family.
The genus is native to Europe and temperate regions of Asia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world through human activity. The common name "madwort" is also applied to certain species of the related genus Alyssum, occasionally causing confusion.
Etymology
The genus name Asperugo is Latin in origin. The sole species, Asperugo procumbens, is commonly called German madwort; "madwort" is a name it shares with several species of Alyssum, which can lead to confusion in common usage.
Distribution
Asperugo procumbens is native to Europe and temperate parts of Asia. Through human activity it has been introduced and established in other regions outside its native range.
