(genus Aethionema), any of about 70 species of mostly sprawling, low herbs of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), native to chalky, dry soil areas of the Mediterranean region, with a few species in eastern Asia. Stonecresses are grown as rock garden or border plants for their narrow leaves and four-petaled pink, lilac, or white flowers. Persian stonecress (A. grandiflorum), a perennial with rosy-lavender flowers, grows to over 30 cm (1 foot). Lebanon stonecress (A. cordifolium) has rose-pink flowers on 10- to 25-cm (4- to 10-inch) plants.