POPULAR FLORA. 



141 



32. PULSE FAMILY. Order LEGUMINOS^.. 



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

 (i. e. butterfly-sliaped), 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 wings, and two lower ones put together 

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



style, and which, being shaped somewhat like the prow 

 of an ancient vessel, is named the keel. 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 Pea (Fig. 32, 42). We give the princi- 

 pal sorts. 



352. Its petals displayed : a, standard ; 

 u, w, Willis i k, the keel laid open. 



353. Le^iiine of 

 Pea, open. 



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



petals removed. 

 356. Flower of Amorpha, enlarged. 357. Stamens and pisti' 



of the same. 



I. TRUE PULSE Family. Corolla really papilionaceous, anii the stantJard outsiiie, wrapped aroufiS 

 the other petals in the bud (in Amorpha, Fig. 366, only the standard is present). Leaves either sim- 

 ple or only once compound. 



