in botany: A genus of the monogyne order, belonging to the octandria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking with those that are doubtful. The calyx is very short, monophyllous, and somewhat quinquedentated; the corolla pentapetalous; the filaments hairy at the base; the berry unilocular, with one seed of a soft pulpy consistence. There is only one species, viz. the Sinensis, a native of the East Indies.