536 



MANUAL OF POISONOUS PLANTS 



ovules numerous. About 270 species, mostly in warm and temperate regions. 

 A species well known in medicine is Senna (C. acutifolia and C. angustifolia) 

 with leaves which are laxative. 



Cassia Chamaecrista L. Partridge Pea 



An annual, spreading, 1 foot long; leaves with a sessile gland on the petiole; 

 leaflets of 10-15 pairs; flowers large, showy; petals yellow, with a purple spot 

 at the base; anthers 10, elongated, and unequal, 4 yellow, the others purple. 



Distribution. In dry or sandy soil from Maine to South Dakota, Texas to 

 Florida. 





I 



Fig. 293. Pea Partridge (.Cassia Chamaecrista'). c. Pod. 

 a. Pistil, b. Stamens. (C. M. King) 



Poisonous properties. This plant is common in hay and when the seeds 

 are consumed in large quantities, has a cathartic action. Cases of mild poison- 

 ing to sheep have been reported to the writer. C. marilandica, a plant with 

 curved pods that are somewhat hairy at first, possesses similar properties. C. 

 hispidula contains abrin. 



2. Gymnodadus, L,am. 



Trees with large, bipinnate leaves, and showy, white, dioecious or irregular, 

 polygamous flowers ; calyx elongated-tubular below ; 5-clef t, the lobes narrow, 

 nearly equal; petals 5 (rarely 4), oblong or oval; stamens 10, distinct, short, 



