in botany: A genus of the adelphia order, belonging to the monoceria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 38th order, Tricocera. The involucrum of the male is common and quadripartite; the calyces hexaphyllous; corolla none; the nectarium laminated or scaly; the stamens monodelphous or coaled at the base, and polyandrous or numerous. The female involucrum is common and triphyllous; corolla none; style one; the capsule tricoccous.—There is but one species, viz. the scandens, a native of Jamaica. It is a climbing plant, which rises to a considerable height; and is remarkable for nothing but having its leaves armed with brittle hairs, which sting the hands of those who unwarily touch them.