SYMPHYTUM, COMFREY, in botany: A genus of plants belonging to the class of pentandria, and order of monogynia; and in the natural system, ranging under the 41st order asterifolia. The limb of the corolla is tubular and ventricose, and the throat is shut with awl shaped rays. There are three species; the officinale, tuberosum, and orientale.—The officinale is a British plant. The stem is about two feet high, round, branched, green, and rough. The radical leaves are very large and rough; those on the stalk are decurrent, and alternate. The flowers grow on loose spikes, and are either of a yellowish or purple colour. It grows on the banks of rivers, and flowers from May to October.