in botany: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the pentandria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking with those that are doubtful. The calyx is pentaphyllous; the corolla is pentapetalous; and the apices turned back, about three times the length of the calyx; the filaments are five, awl-shaped, and shorter than the petals. The seed-vessel is quadrilocular, and contains many seeds. Of this there are two species, viz. the Claviflora and Sourouba.