the almond-tree; a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the icoandria clas of plants.—Linnaeus classes the persica or peach-tree along with the amygdalus; but for this, on account of the universally received distinction, we refer to the article Persica.

Species. 1. The communis, or common almond. This is cultivated more for the beauty of its flowers, than for its fruit. There are two varieties of this, one with sweet, the other with bitter kernels, which often arise from the fruit of the same tree. 2. The dulcis, or jordan-almond, has a tender shell, and a large sweet kernel. The leaves are broader, shorter, and grow much closer, than those of the common sort. The flowers are very small, and of a pale colour inclining to white. 3. The sativus, with narrow spear-shaped leaves. The flowers of this species are white, and much smaller than those of the common almond; its shoots are also smaller, and its joints closer; nor is the tree so hardy, and therefore it should have the advantage of a warm situation, otherwise it will not thrive. This sort flowers early in the spring,