in botany: A genus of the filiquea order, belonging to the tetradyamina class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 25th order, Putaminæ. There are three nectariferous glandules, one at each sinus of the calyx except the lowest; the petals all rising upwards; the filium unilocular and bivalved. There are 15 species; all of them, except two, natives of warm climates. They are herbaceous plants rising from one to two feet high; and are adorned with flowers of various colours, as red, yellow, flesh colour, &c. They are propagated by seeds, and require no other care than what is common to other exotics which are natives of warm countries.