322 
CALYCI FLORAS. 
1. Arachis hypogaea. American Earth-nuts. 
Sloane, I. 184. — Browne , 295. — Barham , 145. — Long , 788. 
— Liman , I. 348. 
HAB. Cultivated. 
FL. May — November. 
Branches diffused, procumbent, hairy, compressed. Leaves 
abruptly pinnated, bijugate ; leaflets elliptic, apiculate, ciliated, 
otherwise glabrous. Stipules semiamplexicaul, an inch in lengthy 
striated, lanceolate, adnate to the petiole for one-third of an 
inch. Flowers axillary, 5-7 together, yellow, those situated 
high on the branches sterile, those which are near the root fer- 
tile. As the ovary enlarges and the pod begins to form, it forces 
itself into the earth (the flower-stalk at the same time elongat- 
ing) and there ripens its seeds. Hence the common name of 
Barth nuts , and the specific designation hypogaea (uvo yr) below 
ground ). You require to dig below the surface to obtain the 
pods. 
This very useful plant is a native of the warmer parts of 
America. It is now cultivated in Asia and Africa and in the 
southern districts of Europe. About Paris it is raised in hot- 
beds and transplanted into the open garden, where it ripens its 
seeds. It has also been brought to maturity in a stove in Eng- 
land, and proved very prolific. 
In Cochin-China, oil obtained from the seeds, is used for 
lamps and as a substitute for the oil of olives. This oil, ac- 
cording to Dr Brownrigg of North Carolina, is pure, clear, and 
well tasted, not apt to become rancid, and a gallon of it may be 
obtained from a bushel of the seeds. According to another 
statement (Diet. Mat. Medic. I. 377.) the seeds give rather 
more than a third of oil ; and if they are parched, nearly 
half of their weight may be obtained. In the latter instance, 
however, the oil is not so well tasted, and is only fit for burn- 
ing or to make soap. In this Island they are principally used 
parched as an article of food, and in place of the almond, the 
pistachio, and other nuts in the dessert. In South Carolina 
they are roasted, ground, and boiled, and make a very good 
substitute for chocolate. Barham states, that when bruised in 
a mortar and applied as a poultice, they extract the sting of 
scorpions, wasps, and bees. 
There is said to be a variety of this plant, cultivated in Bra- 
zil, strong and robust, about 12 feet in height, producing a 
great abundance of seed rich in oil. 
XLI. Andira. 
Calyx turbinate, campanulate, 5-dentate ; teetli 
subequal, acute, erect. Corolla papilionaceous ; stan- 
