PÆONIA, PIONY: A genus of the digynia order, belonging to the polyandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 26th order, Multiflora. The calyx is pentaphyllous; the petals five; there are no styles; the capsules are polypermous. There are two species, both of them very hardy, and will flourish in any common soil. They are large herbaceous flowery perennials, with tuberous roots, sending up strong annual stalks from one to three feet in height; terminated by very large flowers of a beautiful red colour, and much larger than any rose. The common officinal, or male pion, also is remarkable for its capsules turning backward, opening and displaying their red inside, together with the numerous seeds, in a singularly agreeable order, appearing very ornamental after the flower is past. The plants may be propagated either by parting the roots or by seed. This plant was formerly celebrated in nervous distempers, but the present practice pays very little regard to it.