46 
ALASSIO AND ITS FLORA 
Legume woolly, flatter at the base than 
at the point, diameter of a little more 
than centim., less in height than in 
width, spirally twisted, dextrorsum with 
two to four turns, edge obtuse furnished 
with a few points nearly covered by the 
down that covers the rest of the plant, 
and gives it a particular appearance. It is 
tolerably ease to take off the edge of the 
legume which contains the thorns, making 
a thread of about 6 Cv^ntim. long. 
Seeds 6, kidney-shaped. . 
Abundant on the sands; flowers from 
March to June. 
Medicago litoralis (Rhode). 
(Nat. Ord. Legumiiiosae) 
The trunk is thinner than the prece- 
ding, but more compact, stronger and 
longer 2-4 decim., springs from the root, 
also slighter and longer, in all directions 
like so many rays spread on the sand. It 
has not a tomentose look, 
