the beet, in botany, a genus of the pentandria digynia clas. The calyx has four leaves; it has no corolla; the seeds are shaped like kidneys, and are situated within the base of the calyx. There are two species, viz. the maritima or sea-beet, a native of Britain; and the vulgaris or green beet of Bauhinus, which is chiefly cultivated for culinary use. Decoctions of the vulgaris loosen the belly; and hence have been ranked among the emollient herbs. The juice expressed from the roots is a powerful rhine.