in botany: A genus of plants belonging to the order of polygamia aequalis, and to the class of syngenesia; and in the natural system ranged under the 49th order, Compositae. The receptacle is paleaceous; the calyx simple; and the pappus is somewhat plumose. There are four species: 1. The Levigata. 2. Æthnensis. 3. Cretenis. 4. Urens. The first is a native of the island of Candia, and flowers in July and August; the second is a native of Italy; and the fourth is a native of the south of Europe.