BUPHTHALMUM, OX-EYE: A genus of the polygamia superflua order, belonging to the syngenesia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 49th order, Compositæ. The receptacle is paleaceous; the pappus an indifferent rim; the seeds, especially those of the radius, emarginated on the sides; the stigmata of the hermaphrodite florets undivided. There are ten species; of which the following are the most remarkable.
Species. 1. The helianthoides, a native of North America. This hath a perennial root, and an annual stalk, which rises six or eight feet high, garnished at each joint with two oblong heart-shaped leaves, which have three longitudinal veins, and the base on one side shorter than the other. The flowers come out at the extremities of the branches, and are of a bright yellow colour, resembling a small sun-flower. 2. The arborescens, rises with several woody stems to the height of eight or ten feet, garnished with leaves very unequal in size; some are narrow and long, others are broad and obtuse; these are intermixed at the same joint, and often at the intermediate one; they are green, and placed opposite. The flowers are produced at the ends of the branches; they are of a pale yellow colour, and have scaly empalements.
Culture. All the species may be propagated by seeds; and those which do not, by parting their roots, or cutting of their branches. Some of the species are tender, and require to be raised on a hot-bed.