in botany: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the decandra clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under those of which the order is doubtful. There is no calyx; there are four petals; the legumen ovate; one seed with an arillus or coat resembling a berry. We know but of one species, the balsamum, being that which yields the copaiba balsam mentioned in the preceding article. This tree grows near a village called Ayapel, in the province of Antioch, in the Spanish West Indies, about ten days journey from Carthagena. There are great numbers of these trees in the woods about this village, which grow to the height of 50 or 60 feet. Some of these trees do not yield any of the balsam; those which do, are distinguished by a ridge which runs along their trunks. These trees are wounded in the centre, and they place calabash shells, or some other vessels, to the wounded part to receive the balsam, which will all flow out in a short time. One of these trees will yield five or six gallons of balsam; but though they will thrive well after being tapped, yet they never afford any more balsam.