in botany: A genus of the polyandria order, belonging to the gynandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 37th order, Columniferae. The calyx is pentaphyllous; there are five petals, each with a nectariferous scale at the base; the berry is quadrilocular.

Species. 1. The occidentalis, with oval crenated leaves, has long been preserved in many curious gardens both in England and Holland. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and grows to the height of 10 or 12 feet. The stem and branches greatly resemble those of the small leaved elm, the bark being smooth, and of the same colour with that when young. The leaves are also very like those of the elm, and fall off in autumn. The flowers are produced singly along the young branches from the wings of the leaves, and are of a bright purple colour. 2. The Africana, with oval spear-shaped serrated leaves, is a native of Senegal in Africa, from whence its seeds were brought by Mr Adanson. In this country it rises with a shrubby stalk five or six feet high, sending out many lateral branches, with a brown hairy bark, and garnished with spear-shaped serrated leaves; but the plants have not flowered in Britain.

Culture and uses. The first sort, though a native of a warm climate, will bear the open air in this country; only requiring to be sheltered in a greenhouse during the winter-time. It may be propagated by cuttings or layers planted in pots filled with soft loamy earth. The second sort is tender, and must be kept constantly in a warm bark-house. In summer, they require a large share of the free air to be admitted to them, and should have water three or four times a week in warm weather; but in the winter they must be sparingly watered.—The negroes of Senegal highly value a decoction of the bark of this last species, and use it as a never-failing remedy against venereal complaints.