HOTTONIA, WATER-VIOLET; a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants.—There is but one species, viz. the palustris, with a naked stalk. It grows naturally in the standing waters in many parts of England. The leaves, which are for the most part immersed in water, are finely winged and flat like most of the sea-plants; and at the bottom have long fibrous roots, which strike into the mud: the flower-stalks rise or five six inches above the water, and toward the top have two or three whorls of purple flowers, terminated by a small cluster of the same. These flowers have the appearance of those of the stock-gillflower, so make a pretty appearance on the surface of the water.—It may be propagated in deep standing waters, by procuring its seeds when they are ripe, from the places of their natural growth; which should be immediately dropped into the water in those places where they are designed to grow, and the spring following they will appear; and if they are not disturbed, they will soon propagate themselves in great plenty.—Cows eat this plant; swine refuse it.