ADONIS  , a genus of

plants belonging to the natural order Ranunculaceae, known commonly by the names of pheasant's eye and Flos Adonis . They are annual or perennial herbs with much divided leaves and yellow or red flowers . Adonis autumnalis has become naturalized in some parts of England; the petals are scarlet with a dark spot at the base . An early flowering species, Adonis vernalis, with large bright yellow flowers, is well worthy of cultivation . It prefers a deep light soil . The name is also given to the butterfly, Mazarine or Clifton Blue (Polyommatus Adonis) .