POPULAR FLORA. 
141 
32. PULSE FAMILY. Order LEGUMINOSJE. 
A large family, distinguished by the peculiar irregular corolla called papilionaceous 
(i. e. butterfly-shaped), and for having the kind of pod called a legume for its fruit. Leaves 
alternate, often compound, with stipules. Stamens generally 10, inserted on the calyx. 
Pistil one, simple. The papilionaceous corolla, which is familiar in the Pea-blossom and the 
like, consists of 5 irregular petals; viz. an upper one, generally largest and outside in the 
bud, called the standard; two side petals, called wings, and two lower ones put together 
and commonly a little joined, forming a kind of pouch which encloses the stamens and 
style, and which, being shaped somewhat like the prow 
of an ancient vessel, is named the keel. A few flowers in 
the family are almost regular, or not papilionaceous. In 
one case (to be mentioned in its place) all but one petal is 
wanting. Another set have perfectly regular blossoms; 
but are known by the pod and leaves. The legume is of 
every variety of shape and size. The whole kernel of 
the seed is an embryo, with thick cotyledons, as is familiar 
in the Bean and Pea (Fig. 32, 42). We give the princi¬ 
pal sorts. 
351. Papilionaceous corolla of Locust. 
352. Its petals displayed : s, standard ; 
u>, w, wings ; k, the keel laid open. 
353. Legume of 
Pea, open. 
354. Flower of False Indigo No. 2. 355. Same, with the 
petals removed. 
356. Flower of Amorpha, enlarged. 357. Stamens and pistil 
of the same. 
I. TRUE PULSE Family. Corolla really papilionaceous, and the standard outside, wrapped around 
the other petals in the bud (in Amorpha, Fig. 356, only the standard is present). Leaves either sim¬ 
ple or only once compound. 
