in Botany, a genus of the siliqua order, belonging to the tetradyamina class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 39th order Siliqueae. The silique parts asunder with a spring, and the valves roll spirally backward; the stigma is entire, and the calyx a little gaping. Of this there are 15 species; but the most remarkable is the pratensis, with a large purplish flower. This grows naturally in many parts of Britain, and is also called cuckoo-flower. There are four varieties, viz. the single, with purple and white flowers, which are frequently intermixed in the meadows; and the double, of both colours. The single sorts are not admitted into gardens; but the double deserve a place, as making a pretty appearance during the time they are in flower. They will thrive in a moist shady border; and are propagated by parting their roots, which is best performed in autumn. They delight in a soft loamy soil, not too stiff. By some the plant is reckoned antiscorbutic.