POPULAR FLORA. 



141 



32. PULSE FAMILY. Order LEGUMINOSiE. 



A larrre family, distinguished by the peculiar irregular corolla called papilionaceous 

 (i. e. butterfly-shaped), and for having the kind of pod called a legume for its fruit. Leaves 

 alternate, often compound, with 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 ; two side petals, called tvings, and two lower ones put together 

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



style, and which, being shaped somewhat like the prow 

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

 the family are 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 whole kernel of 

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

 in the Bean and Pe4 (Fig. 32, 42). We give the princi- 

 pal sorts. 



351. Papilionaceous corolla of Locust. 



352. Us petals displayed : », standard ; 

 w, w, wings ; k, the keel laid open. 



353. Legume of 

 Pea, open. 



354. Flower of False Indigo No. 2. 355. Same, with the 



petals removed. 

 356. Fl'jwer of Amoipha, enlarged. 357. Stamens and pistil 



of the same. 



I. TRUE PULSE Family. Corolla really papilionaceous, and the standard outsitie, 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. 



