17* Close XVII. Order IV. 



ous, consisting of fleshy, oval knobs, tapering at the ends, ar- 

 ranged at certain distances, like beads, on a principal running 

 root. Stems round, twining. Leaves pinnate, consisting of 

 five or seven ovate, acuminate, smooth leafets. Flowers in ax- 

 illary racemes, blackish purple, crowded, and not inelegant in 

 their appearance. July, August. Perennial. 



213. MEDICAGO. 

 MEDICAGO LUPULINA. L. Nonesuch. 



Spikes ovate ; pods kidney shaped, veiny, rug- 

 ged, single seeded, stems procumbent. Sm. 



Occurs frequently by road sides, in pastures, Sec. Stems 

 spreading, angular, leafy. Leaves resembling clover, but 

 smaller. Leafets obovate, finely toothed. Spikes or heads 

 ovate, of yellow flowers. The pods are black and rugged, with 

 an evident spiral or cockle like structure, which characterizes 

 the genus. When cultivated it is said to form a valuable grass, 

 especially for sheep. In its wild state however its size is rath* 

 er insignificant. Flowers all summer. Biennial. 



