Definition
The *genus Paronychia* comprises plants often called nailworts, characterized by their small size and preference for growing in gravelly or sandy soils. These plants are known for their dry, membranous stipules, which are small leaf-like appendages at the base of the leaf stalk. Nailworts often have a sprawling growth habit, forming mats or cushions. They belong to the Caryophyllaceae family, which also includes carnations and pinks. Think of them as the underdogs of the plant world, small but resilient. They thrive where others struggle, like that one character in every dystopian novel who finds a way to survive.