SPINACIA, SPINAGE, in botany: A genus of plants belonging to the class of dicot, and to the order of pentandria; and in the natural system arranged under the 12th order, Holocarpacea. The male calyx is quinquepartite; there is no corolla; the female calyx is quadrifid; no corolla; there are four styles, and one seed within the indurated calyx. There are only two species, the oleracea and fera. 1. The oleracea, common spinage, has sessile fruits and sagittated leaves. It has been cultivated in Britain since 1568, but it is not known from what country it was originally brought. When intended for winter use, it should be sown on an open spot of ground in the latter end of July; observing to do it if possible when the weather is rainy. When the young plants are come up, the weeds must be destroyed, and the plants left at about five inches asunder. The ground being kept clear of weeds, the spinage will be fit for use in October. The way of gathering it to advantage is only to take off the longest leaves, leaving those in the centre to grow bigger; and at this rate a bed of spinage will furnish the table for a whole winter, till the spinage sown in spring is become fit for use, which is common in April. 2. The fera, wild spinage, produces its fruit on footstalks.