GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx. Perianthium monophyllum, ventricosum, semi quinquefidum, pentagonum; laciniis acuminatis; persistens.
Corolla. Monopetala, rotata. Tubus brevissimus. Limbus semiquinquefidus, magnus, plicatus.
Stamina. Filamenta quinque, subulata, minima, conniventia. Antheræ erectæ, conniventes.
Pistillum. Germen subrotundum. Stylus filiformis, staminibus fere longior. Stigma obtusum.
Pericarpium. Bacca sub-globosa, bilocularis, intra calycem maximum, inflatum, clausum, pentagonum.
Semina plurima, reniformia, compressa.
Empalement. Cup one leaf, bellied, half five-cleft, and five-sided; the segments are tapered; permanent.
Blossom, one petal, wheel-shaped. Tube very short. Border half five-cleft, large, and plaited.
Chives. Five threads, awl-shaped, very small, and approaching. Tips upright, and approaching.