MICROPUS, BASTARD CUDWEED: A genus of the polygamia necessaria order, belonging to the syngenesia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 49th order, Composite. The receptacle is paleaceous; there is no pappus; the calyx is calyculate; there is no radius of the corolla. The female florets are wrapped in the scales of the calyx. There are two species, the supinus and erectus; but only the former is ever cultivated in gardens. It is an annual plant, growing naturally in Portugal, in places near the sea. The root sends out several trailing stalks, about six or eight inches long, which are garnished with small, oval, silvery leaves, whose bases embrace the stalks. The flowers come out in clusters from the wings of the stalks, and are very small, and of a white colour. It flowers in June and July; and is frequently preserved in gardens on account of the beauty of its silvery leaves. It is easily propagated by seed sown in autumn, and requires no other culture but to be kept free from weeds.