botany; a genus of the triandra order, belonging to the dioecia class of plants. The male calyx is an ovate spike of membranaceous scales; the corolla is proper, hexapetalous, and perfect. The female calyx and corolla are as in the male; the germen is roundish, and sex-fulcated; there are three erect and perfect styles; the capsule is roundish, with six plats, and is rostrated and trilocular; the seeds are oblong and cylindrical.