starwort; a genus of the polygamia superflua order, belonging to the syngenesia class of plants; plants; of which there are no less than 30 distinct species; but as none of them are possessed of any remarkable properties, we reckon a particular description unnecessary.

Culture. All the species of this genus may be raised from seed sown either in autumn or spring; but the greatest part of them being perennial plants, and increasing greatly at the roots, are generally propagated by parting their roots early in the spring; and they will grow in almost any soil or situation; and the larger sorts increase so fast, that, if not prevented, they will in a little time run over a large space of ground. They grow best in the shade; but the lower kinds do not run so much at the root, but should be taken up and transplanted every other year; which will make them produce much fairer flowers. Some few sorts, which are natives of warm climates, will require artificial heat to raise them, if not to preserve them.

Stella Marina, in zoology. See Asterales.