The Plumbaginaceae, called the leadwort or plumbago family, is in the order Caryophyllales and contains about 24 genera and 800 species. This very large order also includes iceplants, amaranths, cactuses, pinks, sundews, buckwheats, pitcher plants, tamarisks and quite a few others. The family takes it name from genus Plumbago, which comes from the Latin plumbum, 'lead,' and the ending -ago indicating a resemblance or property, reflecting an apparent early belief that the plant could cure lead poisoning. The family is widespread and cosmopolitan, ranging from arctic to tropical regions, but particularly likes dry places with saline soils like salt flats and seacoasts. The basal leaves have glands that can excrete calcareous salt crystals. Members of this family are typically herbaceous or small shrubs with a few lianas, mostly perennial.