in botany: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the decandra clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 18th order, Bicorneae. The calyx is quinquepartite; the petals five; the stigma triad; the capitule trilocular and three-valved. There is but one species, viz. the Alnifolia. This is a native of Virginia and Carolina, where it grows in moist places, and near the sides of rivulets, rising near eight or ten feet high. The leaves are shaped like those of the alder-tree, but longer; they are placed alternately upon the branches: the flowers are produced in close spikes at the extremities of the branches; they are white, composed of five petals, and have ten stamens in each, nearly of the same length with the petals. This is hardy enough to bear the open air in Britain, and is one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs. Its season is commonly about the beginning of July; and, if the season is not very hot, there will be part of the spikes in beauty till the middle of September. This shrub will thrive best in moist land, and requires a sheltered situation, where it may be defended from strong winds, which frequently break off the branches where they are too much exposed to their violence. It is propagated by layers, but they are generally two years before they take root. It may also be propagated by suckers, which are sent out from the roots; if these are carefully taken off with fibres in the autumn, and planted in a nursery-bed, they will be strong enough in two years to transplant where they are to remain.