608 



BOTANY 



pinnate ; a very large sub-family, the plants belonging to which show much 

 diversity in habit. In species of Astragalus, which are low shrubs of the eastern 



Fio. 6M.Glycyrrhiza glabra (J nat. size). OFFICIAL. 



Mediterranean region and of western Asia, the rhachis of the leaf persists as a 

 sharply pointed thorn for years after the leaflets have fallen. These spines serve to 

 protect the young shoots, leaves, and flowers (Fig. 643). Our native species are 

 herbaceous. Robinia is an American tree of rapid growth with very brittle wood, 



