PENTAPETES, in botany: A genus of the decandria order, belonging to the monodelphia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the
Pentapolis 37th order, Columnifera. The calyx is quinquepartite; the stamens are 20 in number, of which five are castrated and long; the capsule quinquelocular and polyspermous. There is but one species known in the gardens of this country, viz. the phoenicia, with halbert-pointed, spear-shaped, fawed leaves. It is an annual plant, a native of India, and rises to the height of two or three feet, adorned with fine scarlet flowers, consisting of one petal cut into five segments. In the centre of the flower arises a short thick column, to which adhere 15 short stamens. It is a tender plant, and must be brought up in the hot-house.