32 DLSMaNTHUS BRACHYLOBUS. ILLINOIS ACACIA. 



from desma, a bundle or bunch, and antkos, flower — Greek words 



"because the flowers grow in bunches." But as the flowers 



grow no more in bunches than numerous others, it is not easy to 

 understand how this should suggest a particular name. When 

 Willdenow had the new genus in contemplation, he had before 

 him for Dcsmanthus, Mimosa virgata, — the last name from the 

 Latin virga, a tough, slender twig, and this renders Dr. Gray's 

 explanation from "desma a bond," more plausible. 



Explanation of the Plate.— i. The upper portion of a flower stalk. 2. Cluster of immature 

 seed-vessels. 3. A single pod. 



