230 CLASS DECANDRIA. 



stances respecting the situation of these organs distinguish 

 these classes from each other. 



Fig. 114. Monogynia. 



In the first order of the tenth class 

 we find some plants with papilionace- 

 ous or butterfly shaped corollas ; these, 

 because their filaments are not united, 

 are separated from the natural family 

 to which they belong, and which arc 

 mostly in the class Diadelphia. Among 

 those which are thus removed from the 

 class where, from their general ap- 

 pearance, they might have been looked 

 for, is the wild indigo (Baptisia), a 



handsome plant wiih yellow flowers, 



two or three feet in height, and very branching ; the stem and 

 leaves are of a blueish green. This is found in dry sandy 

 woods ; it has been used as a substitute for indigo. 



The wild pea (Cassia) is another genus of the papilionace- 

 ous tribe. It has several species, one of which is called the 

 American senna (CASSIA marylandica) on account of its medi- 

 cinal qualities. Another species is CASSIA -nictitatis, with very 

 small yellow flowers, s-nd beautiful pinnate leaves, which re- 

 main folded at night; it shrinks back from the touch, for which 

 ' reason it is called the American sensitive plant. 



A plant, called by the Indians Red-bud (CKHCIS canadensis], 

 belongs to the same natural family. It is a large tree, appear- 

 ing as early as April, loaded with clusters of fine crimson 

 flowers ; the leaves, which are large and heart-shaped, do not 

 appear as early as the blossoms. The beautiful aspect of the 

 tree attracts to it many insects, particularly humble-bees. A 

 botanist* says, " 1 have often observed hundreds of the common 

 humble-bees lying dead under these trees while in flower." 

 This is not the only example of fatal consequences resulting 

 from trusting too much to external appearances ! This tree is 

 not improperly called Judas' tree, a name by which it is often 

 known. 



The three genera of plants which we have now noticed, bear 

 fruit in that kind of pod called a legume ; this is the case, in 

 general, with the papilionaceous flowers. 



The rue (Ruta) is an exotic, which gives name to a family 

 called RutacetB ; these plants have a monophyllous calyx ; five 

 petals alternating with the lobes of the calyx ; the germ is large 

 and superior (See Fig. 114, a). 

 * W. P. C. Barton. 

 Order Monoirynia Wild Indigo- Cassia Cercis. 



