in botany: A genus of the adelphia order, belonging to the monocotyledon clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 38th order, Tricocceae. The calyx of the male is triphyllous; the corolla pentapetalous; the stamens five. The calyx of the female triphyllous; the corolla tripetalous; the style triad; and a pair of seeds. There is but one species, a native of America, and which possesses no remarkable property.