in Botany, a genus of the filiflora order, belonging to the tetradiamina clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 25th order, Putaminaceae. There are three nectariferous glan-

dules, one at each sinus of the calyx except the lowest; the petals all rising upwards; the filiform unibular and bivalved. There are 15 species, all of them, except two, natives of warm climates. They are herbaceous plants, rising from one to two feet high; and are adorned with flowers of various colours, as red, yellow, flesh-colour, &c. They are propagated by seeds, and require no other care than what is common to other exotics which are natives of warm countries.