in botany: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the oecanthus class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 17th order, *Calycanthaceae*. The calyx is quadrid; and there are four petals, one from each incisure of it. The filaments are very long, ascending or turning upwards; the capsule is globose, superior, unilocular, and polyspermous.