The Virginian Stock is the only member of this genus we need occupy ourselves with. In technical characters the genus comes very near Hesperis, differing in having a roundish pod thickened at the base and a subulate stigma. About twenty species are known, inhabiting the countries bordering the Mediterranean and Caspian seas. A commemorative name.

1. M. maritima. Virginian Stock. - A pretty dwarf hardy annual with lilac, rose, red, or white flowers. A pigmy variety has recently been raised, a compact little plant, producing abundance of pure white flowers. This species is a native of the South of Europe.