[3] Other genera have been recognized within the family, such as Anthobryum, Hypericopsis and Niederleinia,[4] but molecular phylogenetic studies have consistently shown that they all belong inside Frankenia.

Frankenia comprises about 70–80 species of shrubs, subshrubs and herbaceous plants, adapted to saline and dry environments throughout temperate and subtropical regions.

They have opposite, simple leaves, generally small and somewhat heather-like, and often with salt-excreting glands in sunken pits.

[7] The genus name honours Johan Franck or Frankenius (1590–1661), a professor of botany at Uppsala, Sweden.

[3] caryophyllids – core Caryophyllales mostly carnivorous families (Dioncophyllaceae, Ancistrocladaceae, Drosophyllaceae, Droseraceae, Nepenthaceae) Polygonaceae Plumbaginaceae Frankeniaceae Tamaricaceae Studies of the relationships within the genus have used a limited number of species.

[4] A few species of Frankenia are grown as ornamental plants, particularly in rock gardens and similar situations, where they can form spreading mats.

Recommended species in the United Kingdom include F. hirsuta, F. laevis and F. thymifolia, all with white to rose purple flowers.