ORDER XLIII. LEGUMtNOS^J. 291 



7. L. angustifo'lia, (Pursh.) Similar to the preceding species, but 

 the leaflets vary from elliptical-oblong to linear ; are smaller than those 

 of the L. capitata. — Grows through middle and southern. Car. and Geo. 

 4—5 feet. 



The two preceding genera are exceedingly perplexing in arranging descriptions even 

 of well-known species, from the frequent variations produced by different circum- 

 stances ; and were we to disregard these variations, and describe the specimens as va- 

 rieties or distinct species, we should multiply the species and varieties to an indefinite 

 extent. We have given descriptions of those which are well-established species. We 

 have little doubt that there are other species, when sufficient examination shall have 

 determined their characteristics. 



Genus XXXIX.— AR'ACHIS. L. 16—10. 

 (From a, privative, and rachis, a branch, having no branches.) 



Calyx bilabiate. Legume gibbous, torulose, veiny, woody. 



1. A. hvpog^e'a, (L) Stem pilose, procumbent. Leaves abruptly 

 pinnate. Flowers axillary. Peduncles becoming elongated, and de- 

 posit the legume under ground to ripen. — Yellow. 0. Native of 

 South America. Cultivated extensively in some parts of the Southern 

 States. Peanut. Ground Pea. Guber. 



Tribe VII.— GENISTE'^E. 

 Stamens 10, monadelphous ; anthers of two forms. Legume 

 continuous. Leaves simple or palmately compound. Herbs or 

 shrubs. 



Genus XL.— CROTALA'RIA. L. 16—10. 

 (Greek krotalon, a castanet, in allusion to the rattling of the seeds in the pod.) 



Calyx slightly bilabiate, 5-cleft. Vexillum cordate, large ; 

 keel generally acuminate ; wings somewhat plicate toward the 

 base. Stamens monadelphous, the tube cleft on the upper side ; 

 the 5 alternate anthers smaller. Legume pedicellate, turgid. 

 Seeds reniform. Herbaceous plants, with yellow flowers. 



1. C. sagitta'lis, (L.) Stem erect, branching, hirsute. Leaves simple, 

 nearly sessile, oval, or oblong-lanceolate; stipules decurrent, acumi- 

 nate, sagittate. Flowers on rather short, few-flowered peduncles, oppo- 

 site the leaves. Corolla about as long as the calyx or shorter. Legum,e 

 inflated, nearly black when mature. Seeds small, smooth, and shining; 

 when ripe, rattling in the capsule. — Yellow. 0. April — July. Com- 

 mon. 8 — 12 inches. Rattle-box. 



2. C. parviflo'ra, (Pursh.) Stem erect, hirsute, branching. Leaves 

 linear, or linear-lanceolate, nearly sessile, lower ones broader than the 

 upper, upper stipules decurrent. Peduncles opposite the leaves, 3 — 7- 

 flowered; corolla about as long as the calyx or shorter. — Yellow. 11. 

 April — July. In shady soils, Mid. Car. and Geo. 10 — 20 inches. 



O. Purshii, D. C. 



3. C. ova'lis, (Pursh.) Stem diffuse, decumbent, branching, hairy. 

 Leaves oval, petiolate ; stipules small, or wanting, slightly decurrent. 

 Flowers in racemes, opposite the leaves, corolla equaling the calyx. 

 Legume slightly stipitate. — Yellow. 2f. April — July. Common in 

 dry sandy 6oils. 6 — 12 inches. 



4* 



