in botany: A genus of the monozygous order, belonging to the pentandra clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 30th order, Contortae. There are two horizontal follicles at the base of the seed-capsule. The seeds are inserted into a proper membrane. Of this there are two species; the latifolia, and the angustifolia. The first is a native of the island of Cuba, and rises with a shrubby stalk to the height of 10 or 12 feet, dividing into several branches, garnished with roundish pointed leaves placed opposite. The flowers are produced at the end of the branches in loose clusters, which have long tubes enlarging gradually upward, and at the top are cut into five segments, broad at their base, but ending in sharp points; the flower is of a yellowish white colour. The second sort has an irregular shrubby stalk, which rises about eight feet high, sending out many branches which are garnished with very narrow thin leaves placed opposite at each joint. The flowers are produced scattering at the end of the branches, which are shaped like those of the former sort, but smaller. It is a native of Jamaica. Both these plants abound with an acid milky juice like the spurge. They are propagated by seeds, which must be procured from the places of their growth. They may also be propagated by cuttings planted in a hot-bed during the summer-months: they must have a bark-stove, for they are very tender plants; but in warm weather they must have plenty of air.