Aciotis
(from akis, a point, and ous, an ear; in allusion to the shape of the petals). ORD. Melastomaceae. A small genus of pretty, stove, evergreen plants. Flowers small; panicles slender, loose, terminal; petals four, obliquely awned at the apex. Leaves thin, membranous. For culture, see Melastoma. A. aquatica (water-loving). fl. white, small, in loose, terminal, filiform panicles. June. l. cordate, ovate-oblong, somewhat acuminate, serrated, pilose on the nerves beneath. h. 6in. to 12in South America, 1793. The pots in which this species is grown should be kept in pans of water. A. discolor (various-coloured).* fl. small, red, in spicate racemes. l. petiolate, elliptic-oblong, purple beneath, deep shining green above. h. 1ft. Trinidad, 1816.