PENTAPETES, in botany, a genus of the decandria order, belonging to the monodelphia class of plants. There is but one species known in the gardens of this country, viz. the phoenicia, with halbert-pointed, spear-shaped, sawed leaves. It is an annual plant, a native of India, and rises to the height of two or three feet; adorned with fine scarlet flowers, consisting of one petal cut into five segments. In the centre of the flower arises a short thick column, to which adhere 15 short stamens. It is a tender plant, and must be brought up in the hot-house.