virgin's-bower; a genus of the pollygynia order, belonging to the polyandria clas of plants. There are twelve species, all of which, except two, are shrubby, climbing plants, very hardy, and adorned with quadrupetalous flowers of red, blue, purple, white, and greenish flowers. They are very easily propagated by layers or cuttings. The vitis alba, one of the species, is very acid to the taste, and without any smell. It is frequently used as a caustic, and for cleansing old ulcers. The root is said to be purgative. The leaves of all the species bruised and applied to the skin, burn it into carbuncles as in the plague; and if applied to the nostrils in a fultry day immediately after being cropped, will cause the same uneasy sensation as a flame applied to that part would occasion. Hence the title of flamula, or "little flame," by which this genus of plants was formerly distinguished.