in botany, a genus of the pentandra digynia clas. The corolla consists of one petal; the capsule has two valves, and one cell. There are twenty-eight species, five of which are natives of Britain, viz. the pneumonthe, or calathian violet; the amarella, or autumnal gentian; the centaurium, or lesser centaury; the campetris, or vernal dwarf gentian; and the filiformis, or marsh centuary.

The root of this plant is large, remarkably tough, and of a firm texture. It is brought to us from Germany, where it is in many places cultivated as liquorice is amongst us; and it is to be chosen fresh, tough, of a middle size, free from the small fibres, and well dried; tho' if it be scorched, it is to be rejected. This root is one of the best stomachics.