446 THE VEGETABLE WORLD. 
high, which, “when in flower,” as Dr. Wallich tells us, “is pro- 
fusely ornamented with pendulous racemes of large vermilion- 
coloured blossoms, forming objects of beauty unequalled in the 
Indian Flora.” In short, a vast proportion of the trees belonging 
to this section of Leguminacce are distinguished for their beauty 
or utility, and in most instances they possess both qualities in the 
highest degree. 
Tre IX. Mroincex.—Corolla irregular; stamens eight or 
ten inserted on the top of the disc which lines the base of the 
calyx, free at the base, connate at the middle; pod with three 
valves, one-celled, lined with a fungous substance in which the | 
seeds are embedded. 
Moringa pterygosperma is called the Horse-radish-tree, the roots 
when young being used as we use Horse-radish. The oil of Ben 
is procured from its seeds, and also from M. aptera. This oil, 
‘inodorous and clear itself, keeps for years without becoming 
rancid: it is used for extracting odours from other odoriferous 
flowers. 
Trise X. Swarrztex.—Flowers perfect, somewhat irregular ; 
petals and stamens hypogynous ; stamens rarely inserted in the 
calyx, either nine or ten, free; pod two-valved or drupaceous, 
unopening. : 
In this section we find the Cane-wood of commerce, the pro- 
duce of Baphia nitida, an African tree of fifty or sixty feet high. 
Erythrophlaum guineense is an immense tree of Guinea, growing 4 
hundred feet high, called the Ordeal-tree, the juice being used by 
the natives as an ordeal of guilt or innocence. The red juice 18 
swallowed in certain portions by the accused, and those who 
cannot withstand its effects are considered guilty. 
Trise XI. Mimosem.—Flowers regular, generally unisexual, 
sometimes hermaphrodite ; calyx four or five-lobed, equal, valvate ; 
petals four or five, equal, inserted on the receptacle; stamens 
In this section we find the Nitta-tree (Parkis Africana), ® 
large tree of Western Africa, where the seeds are roasted and used 
as we do coffee. The pulp of the pods surrounding the seeds 18 
sweet and farinaceous: it forms a pleasant drink, and is som 
times made into a sweetmeat. Adenanthera pavonina is @ gigantic 
