OR'OBUS NI GER. 
BLACK BITTER VETCH. 
Class. Order. 
DIADELPHIA. DECANDRIA. 
Natural Order. 
LEGUMINOSA5. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Cultivated 
Europe. 
2 feet. 
June, July. 
Perennial. 
in 1596. 
No. 284. 
The Greek words, oro, to excite; and bous, 
an ox; are compounded in the present generic name, 
and indicate the exciting or fattening quality of some 
of this’ family of vegetables. Niger is not used in 
allusion to the colour of its roots, as stated by some 
authors, for [they are not black; but on account of 
the colour assumed by the herbage, when dried. 
The Orobus niger, has pretty, though not showy, 
flowers ; still as they are numerous, and the plant is 
of compact growth, it becomes ornamental without 
being intrusive ; and after being once planted, asks 
no sort of care from the cultivator. 
Its roots have a flavour similar to liquorice, but 
with rather less sweetness; and like those of most 
of the species of Leguminosse, they are tough, firm, 
and descend deeply into the earth. 
It produces a few seeds, and from the accidental 
scattering of these, seedling plants will occasionally 
be found near the old root. It may also be divided, 
but it will not flower so freely in the first season 
after removal. If it be desired to raise young plants 
from seed, they should be sown in the autumn, in a 
dry situation, in the open ground. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 304. 
