LESSER ORPINE, OR LIVE-EVER: A genus of the pentagynia order, belonging to the pentandra clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 13th order, Succulenta. The calyx is pentaphyllous; the petals five, with five nectariferous scales at the base of the germs, and five capsules. There are 17 species, all of them natives of warm climates. Several of them are cultivated in this country, but require the assistance of artificial heat for their preservation. They rise from one foot to six or eight in height, and are ornamented with oblong, thick, succulent leaves, and funnel-shaped pentapetalous flowers of a scarlet, white, or greenish colour. They are propagated by off-springs or cuttings; and must be potted in light sandy compost, retained in a sunny part of the greenhouse all winter, and very sparingly watered. In summer they may be placed in the full air in a sheltered place, and in dry weather watered twice a week.