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CLASS DECANDRIA. 
LECTURE XXIX 
CLASS X DECANDRIA. 
Plants of this class have ten stamens, but this circumstance 
alone would not distinguish them from some of the other classes ; 
the number of stamens must not only be ten, but these must be 
distinct from each other ; that is, neither united together by 
their filaments below, nor by their anthers above. Some of the 
classes which are to follow, viz : Monadelphia, Diadelphia, Gyn- 
andria, and the two classes with stamens and pistils on separate 
flowers, may also have ten stamens ; but circumstances respect- 
ing the situation of these organs distinguish these classes from 
each other. 
Monogynia. 
In the first order of the tenth class we find some plants with 
papilionaceous or butterfly shaped corollas ; these, because their 
filaments are not united, are separated from the natural family 
to which they belong, and which are mostly in the class Dia- 
delphia. Among those which are thus removed from the class 
where, from their general appearance they might have been 
looked for, is the wild indigo, (Baptisia,) a handsome plant with 
yellow flowers, two or three feet in height, and very branching ; 
the stem and leaves are of a blueish green. This is found in 
dry sandy woods ; it has been used as a substitute for indigo. 
The wild-pea, (Cassia) is another genus of the papilionaceous 
tribe. It has several species, one of which is called the Ameri- 
can senna, (Cassia marylandica,) on account of its medicinal 
qualities. Another species is Cassia mctitans, with very small 
yellow flowers and beautiful pinnate leaves, which remain fold- 
ed at night ; it shrinks back from the touch, for which reason 
it is called the American sensitive plant. 
A plant called by the Indians, Red-bud, (Cercis canadensis ,) 
belongs to the same natural family. It is a large tree, appearing 
as early as April, loaded with clusters of fine crimson flowers ; 
the leaves, which are large and heart-shaped, do not appear as 
early as the blossoms. The beautiful aspect of the tree attracts 
to it many insects, particularly humble-bees. A botanist* says, 
“ I have often observed hundreds of the common humble-bees 
*W. P. C. Barton. 
Class Decandria — Not the only class with ten stamens — Order Monogy- 
nia — Contains some papilionaceous flowers — Wild indigo — Cassia — Cercis. 
