POPULxVR FLOrwA. 



141 



32. PULSE FAMILY. Order LEGUMINOSvE. 



A l.ircjG f^imily, distinguished by the peculiar irregular corolla called papilionaceous 

 (i. e. LutterHy-shaped), and for having the kind of pod called a ler/imie for its fruit. Leaves 

 alternate, often compound, Avith stipules. Stamens generally 10, inserted on the calyx. 

 Pistil one, simple. The papilionaceous corolla, ■which Is familiar in the Pea-blossom and the 

 like, consists of 5 irregular petals ; viz, an upper one, generally largest and outside in the 

 bud, called the standard; Uvo side petals, called ?c/»^,s', and two lower ones put together 

 and commonly a little joined, forming a kind of pouuh which encloses the stamens and 



style, and which, being shaped somewhat like the prow 

 of an ancient vessel, is named the keel. A few flowers in 

 the family arc almost regular, or not papilionaceous. In 

 one case (to be mentioned in its place) all but one petal is 

 ■wanting. Another set have perfectly regular blossoms ; 

 but are known by the pod and leaves. The legume is of 

 every variety of shape and size. The Avhole kernel of 

 the seed is an embryo, "with thick cotyledons, as is familiar 

 in the Bean and Pea (Fig. 32, 42). We give the princi- 

 pal sorts. 



(P(i 



SSI. Papilionaceous corulla of LocuEt. 



332. I<s petals displ.iyerl : t. stfin'lnnl ; 

 V, to, wiiigs ; A', ihe keel luiil open. 



353, Lefume of 

 Pea, open. 



3SS 



354. Flower of False Indigo No. 2. 3'5. Same, with the 



petals renioveil. 

 353. Fliwer of Arnorpha, enlarged, 357, Stamens .ind pistil 



of the same. 



I. TRUE PULSE Family. Coroll.-irefillypnpilionaceou?, and the standard outside, wrapped around 

 the other petals in the bud (in Amorpha, Fig. 356, only the standard is present). Leaves either sim- 

 ple or only once compound. 



