Boerhavia diffusa, commonly known as punarnava or red spiderling, is a perennial herb that is native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It thrives in a variety of habitats such as open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas. This plant typically forms a sprawling mat with stems that can reach lengths of up to 2 meters. The leaves are broadly ovate, and the plant produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically pink or white and bloom throughout the warm season. The fruit is a sticky capsule that adheres to animals and birds, aiding in seed dispersal.

Punarnava is valued for its medicinal properties in traditional medicine systems and is sometimes cultivated for this purpose. It is also used as a ground cover in tropical gardens due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. While it is drought-resistant, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Gardeners should be aware that Boerhavia diffusa can become invasive outside its native range due to its prolific seed production and should be managed accordingly.CC BY-SA 4.0