in botany: A genus of the pentandra order, belonging to the dioecia clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 54th order, Mifelliana. The male calyx is diphyllous, the corolla pentapetalous; and there are five nectaria. The female calyx is diphyllous, the corolla pentapetalous; there are two sessile filigmate, and a capsule with floccy seeds.