Onagraceæ,

Onagraceæ, ONAGRARIÆ, or GENOTHERACEÆ, a natural order of exogenous plants, consisting chiefly of herbaceous plants, but including also a few shrubs; with simple leaves and axillary or terminal flowers. There are about 450 known species, natives chiefly of temperate climates, among which are some much cultivated for the beauty of their flowers, particularly those of the genera Fuchsia, (Enothera (Evening Primrose), Clarkia, and Godetia). The British genera are Epilobium (Willowherb) and Circeæ (Enchanter's Night- shade). A few species produce edible berries, and the roots of one or two are eatable; but none are of economic importance. The root of Isnardia alternifolia, found in the marshes of Carolina, and called Bowman's Root, is emetic. Some species of Jussiaea are used in dyeing in Brazil.