Bot. [mod.L., f. Gr. κολεός sheath, so called from the union of the filaments.] A genus of Labiate plants, allied to the Mints; some species, natives of Malaysia and Polynesia, are distinguished by their brilliant foliage, and are well-known ornaments of greenhouses, and of gardens in the summer months.
[1866. Treas. Bot., Coleus … annual herbs … rarely shrubs.]
1885. Lady Brassey, The Trades, 417. Branches of coleus, crotons, and other beautiful foliage plants.
1888. Blackw. Mag., June, 766. Crotons and coleus.
