BETA, the beet, in botany, a genus of the pentandria digynia class. The calix has four leaves; it has no
corolla; the seeds are shaped like kidneys, and are situated within the base of the calix. There are two species, viz. the maritima or sea-beet, a native of Britain; and the vulgaris or green beet of Bauhinus, which is chiefly cultivated for culinary use. Decoctions of the vulgaris loosen the belly; and hence have been ranked among the emollient herbs. The juice expressed from the roots is a powerful errhine.