412 



ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE NATURAL ORDERS. 



extractive matter, Polygala Senega (Seneca Snakeroot) is the 

 most important medicinal plant of the family. Other species are 

 employed medicinally in Brazil, Peru, Nepaul, &c. ; where, like 

 our own, tliey are rei^uted antidotes to the bites of venomous 

 reptiles. 



803. Ord. KramcriaceOEi {Rhatany Family) consists of the genus 

 Krameria only, which has ordinarily been annexed to the Polyga- 

 laceai ; but the position of the parts of the flower is more like that 

 of the Leguminoste, having tlie odd sepal inferior, a simj^le unilocu- 

 lar pistil, and an exalbuminous seed. In fact it is technically distin- 

 guishable from the latter chiefly by the hypogynous stamens and the 

 want of stipules. The roots contain a red coloring matter, and are 

 astringent without bitterness. Ehatany-root, used to adulterate port- 

 wine, and as an ingredient in tooth-powdei's, &c., is the produce of 

 K. triandra of Peru. That of our own Southern species possesses 

 the same jiroperties. 



804. Ord. LcgUminosSB {Puhe Family). Herbs, shrubs, or trees, 

 with alternate and usually compound leaves, furnished with stipules. 



FIG. 796. A flovrering branch of Lathyrus palustris, var. myrtifolius. 797. The corolla 

 displayed ; a, the vexillum or standard ; b. the also or wings ; r, the two petals of the carina 

 or keel. 798. The keel-petals in their natural situation. 799. The stamens and pistil, en- 

 larged ; the sheath of filaments partly turned back. 



