Plants of this genus are sometimes known as rock jasmines or fairy candelabras, and are widely cultivated for their dense cushions covered in white or pink flowers.

[3][7] Phylogenetic studies have also demonstrated that the ancestor of Androsace first appeared about 35 Mya ago and was most probably an annual species.

[8] Evolution towards the denser morphology of cushions took place two times independently in Asia and in Europe.

[8] As of May 2022[update], Plants of the World Online recognizes the following 166 species, including those formerly placed in Douglasia and Vitaliana.

[9][10] The online Flora of North America placed nine species in Douglasia[11] that are now included in Androsace (names in Androsace from Plants of the World Online[9]): A group of scientist disentangled the morphology and ecology of Androsace genius in the French Alps and described three new species in 2021:[12] The following species have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.