botany: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking with those of which the order is doubtful. The corolla is monopetalous and irregular; the calyx prickly; the capsule quinquevalved superior. There is only one species, viz. the monspeliensis, or blue maritime coris. There are two varieties of this plant, one with a red, and the other with a white flower; but these are only accidental, and arise from the same seeds. They grow wild about Montpelier, and in most places in the south of France; they seldom grow above six inches high, and spread near the surface of the ground like heath; and in June, when they are full of flowers, make a very pretty appearance. They may be propagated by sowing their seeds in a bed of fresh earth, and afterwards removing the young plants, some into pots, and others into a warm border. They generally bear our winter colds well enough, but severe frosts will sometimes destroy them; for which reason it is proper to keep some of them in pots, which should be put under a hot-bed frame in winter. As they seldom produce good seeds in this country, they may, in want of these, be propagated by slips and cuttings, which will take root if planted on a very gentle hot-bed, shaded from the sun, and duly watered.

Coris is also used in the East-Indies for a kind of shells which pass for money.