Fragaria

(fra-ga're-ah.) (Bot.) Agen. of Rosaceæ,distinguished by its 10-cleft calyx, its 5 petals, and its seeds inserted on a fleshy receptacle. This fleshy recepptacle is the fruit known as the Strawberry. The name Fragaria is derived from fragrans-the fruit, as is well known, being peculiarly perfumed. The common name of Strawberry has been given on account of straw having been laid to prevent the fruit from getting soiled in wet weather. Two species are natives of the U. States, namely, F. vesca, the Wood Strawberry,and F. Virgin i an a, the Scarlet or Wild Strawberry. From these and several foreign species, a great number of varieties have been developed. The fruit is remarkably wholesome, and is regarded by most people as the choicest of our native American fruits. [s. 380]