Page:An introduction to physiological and systematical botany (1st edition).djvu/475

 Rh : but the whole requires to be well reconsidered; for, if possible, so great a laxity of definition, with such glaring exceptions, should not disgrace any system.

***** Legume composed of single-valved joints, which are rarely solitary. Hedysarum, t. 96, is the most important genus of this section, and is known by its obtuse or rectangular keel. Hippocrepis, t. 31; Ornithopus, t. 369; and Scorpiurus, known in gardens by the name of Caterpillar, from its worm-like pod, are further examples. Smithia, ''Ait. Hort. Kew. t.'' 13, is remarkable for having the joints of the legume connected by means of the style, as by a thread; the stamens in 2 equal divisions, with 5 anthers to each; and a two-lipped calyx. Hedysarum vespertilionis, ''Jacq. Ic. Rar. t.'' 566, in some points approaches this genus, and more certain species are possibly latent among the numerous unsettled papilionaceous plants of India.

****** Legume of one cell, with several seeds. To this belong the genus Melilotus, if separated from Trifolium, the Indigofera,