138 L eguminoscz Gleditschia. 



and a weeping one. The foliage is quite glabrous, and the pods 

 similar to those of No. 1, but shorter and thicker. 



31. GYMNCCLADUS. 



A genus comprising a single North American species, differing 

 from Gleditsckia in the thick turgid or terete pod. Name 

 from yvjjivoS) unarmed, and K\d$os, a branch, in reference to the 

 absence of thorns. 



1. G. Canadensis. Kentucky Coffee Tree. A deciduous 

 tree of large stature. Leaves very large, bipinnate ; leaflets 

 ovate, membranous. Flowers white, in terminal simple or 

 thyrsoid racemes. 



32. CASSIA. 



A vast genus abounding in tropical countries, and a few 

 species reaching the warm temperate parts of North America. 

 Trees, shrubs, or herbs with abruptly pinnate leaves and pani- 

 culate or racemose usually yellow showy flowers. Sepals im- 

 bricate. Petals 5. Stamens 5 to 10, unequal, some of them 

 abortive. An old Greek name. 



1. 0. Marildndica. An herbaceous glabrous perennial, 3 

 to 4 feet high. Leaflets 10 to 20, lanceolate-oblong, obtuse. 

 Flowers in axillary racemes, yellow. A native of North 

 America, where it is called Wild Senna. 



There are some of the annual species which might be grown 

 in the open air. (7. nictitans and C. procumbent are hardy 

 North American annuals. 



33. C^RCIS. 



Small deciduous trees, easily distinguished from all other 

 hardy trees of this class by their simple reniform or cordate 

 leaves. Flowers somewhat papilionaceous, but the upper petal 

 interior, usually purple or rose, rarely white, produced in fas- 

 cicles along the branches. Pod oblong or broadly linear, flat, 

 with a narrow wing along the upper suture. The ancient 

 Grecian name. 



1. 0. Siliquastrum (fig. 78). Judas Tree. A small tree of 

 remarkably ungainly irregular growth, but of handsome foliage 

 and flowers. Leaves glabrous, entire, reniform, rounded at the 

 apex. Flowers rosy-purple, produced in Spring before the 

 leaves have attained their full development. There is a white- 

 flowered variety, but it appears to be very rare. A native of 

 Western Asia. 



