MALABAR-NUT: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the diandria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 40th order, Perforatae. The corolla is ringent; the capitule bilocular, parting with an elastic spring at the heel; the stamnia have only one anthera. There are 19 species, all of them natives of the East Indies, growing many feet high; some adorned with fine large leaves, others with small narrow ones, and all of them with monopetalous ringent flowers. Only two species are cultivated in our gardens, viz. the achatoda or common Malabar-nut, and the hylophila or snap-tree. The first grows ten or twelve feet high, with a strong woody stem, branching out widely all around; having large, lanceolate, oval leaves, placed opposite; and from the ends of the branches short spikes of white flowers, with dark spots, having the helmet of the corolla concave. The second hath a shrubby stem branching from the bottom pyramidally three or four feet high; spear-shaped, narrow, entire leaves, growing opposite; and white flowers, commonly by threes, from the sides of the branches; succeeded by capsules, which burst open with elastic force for the discharge of the seeds; whence the name of snap-tree. Both species flower here in summer, but never produce any fruit. They are propagated by layers and cuttings, and require the same treatment with other tender exotics.