Page:Illustrations of Indian Botany, Vol. 1.djvu/383

ILLUSTRATIONS OF INDIAN BOTANY.

191 Tribe 2. Lote^e — Stamens either all united, (monadelphous) or nine united and one free (diadelphous). Legume not jointed, 1 -celled, or rarely imperfectly 2-celled, from one suture be- ing intro flexed, sometimes with transverse septa. Cotyledons, flat tish, foliaceous in germination.

This which is a large tribe, is divided into several subtribes — Genisteae, Trifolieae, Clitorieae, Galegiae and Astragaieae — species of each of these, except the last, occur in the Peninsula.

In this tribe we find many useful plants. In India the- bark of some species of Crotalaria, (C. retusa and juncea) are employed as hemp in the manufacture of cordage and canvas. The powdered seed of Fenugreek (Trigonella Fcsiwn-grecuin) is very largely consumed in native cookery. The vegetable principle called Coumarin is found abundantly iu the flowers of Melitotus officinalis, it is that principle to which the Tonka bean owes its properties. The young beans of Cyamopsis p$ jratiodes (Cott averaykay Tarn) is with reason much prized by the natives as a culin-iry pulse, ai 1 merits more attention from Europeans, as it is a pleasant and delicate vegetable. I(idig)fera ttnetoria and anil furnish us with the valuable blue dye (Indigo) of such vast commercial importance to India. The roots of Clitoria ternatea are emetic. The roots of Tep'irosia purpurea, a most common plant, are bitter, and a decoction of them is prescribed by native practitioners in Dyspeptic complaints — many other species of this large Indian genus probably possess similar properties in even a higher degree. The leaves of Sesbania Mgypiiaca are in constant use among the natives as a poultice to promote supuration, and the wood makes excellent charcoal for the manufacture of gun-powder. The long slender pods of Agate grandijlora are eaten by the natives and the leaves are also prized by them. The tree grows rapidly but the wood is very soft and of little use. In addition to these, most of which are of Indian origin, many other plants of this tribe are in use in other countries, such as the numerous kinds of clover, lucern, &c. for fodder, and liquorice, laburnum, genesta, &c. as medicine and food.

Tribe 3. HfdysakKjE — Corolla papilionacious : Stamina either monadelphous or diadelphous (9-1 or sometimes 5-5) rarely all distinct, often somewhat persistent. Legume transversely divided into several 1-seeded cells or joints, sometimes 1 celled, and then always 1-seeded, cotyledons flattish, during germination somewhat foliaceous. The several-seeded genera are usually easily distinguished by their jointed pods separating at the joints into 1-seeded indehiscent cells: the one seeded ones, are not so easily distinguished, but they usually have the stamen tube more or less persistent.

This, as compared with the last, is a small tribe, containing fewer genera and those of the Indian flora, with the exception of D '.Imodium, have but few species, neither are they important in their economical applications. The root of Pueraria tuberosa (which though placed by D.C. and others among Lotice really belongs to this tribe) peeled and bruised, is employed by the natives of the Circars as a poultice to reduce swellings of the joints : that of Ormacarpum sennoiden is stimulant and tonic. Manna is said to be produced by Alhigi Murorum and several allied species in Persia and Bonkra, but, though the plant is found in Egypt, Arabia, and India, it does not yield this substance, whence it is inferred, the former countries only are suited for its production. Few of the other species are esteemed of much value, Saintfoi?i (Onobrychis sativa) affords an excellent fodder and is much cultivated in different parts of Europe on that account.

Sarcolobe^e— Cotyledons thick and fleshy.

Tribe 4. Vicie^e — Corolla papilionacious. Stamens diadelphous (9 and 1.) Legume continuous not jointed. Cotyledons thick, farinaceous, unchanged during germination and remaining under ground within the seel coat; radicle inflexed : leaves abruptly pinnated, except Cicer and som v species of Orobuft ; the common petiol not jointed at the base with the stem, produced at the apex, except, in the above instances and one or two others ; into a bristle or tendril. Primordial leaves alternate.

This, though in respect of the number of its genera, a very small tribe yet contains some very useful plants. Among the most valuable of these may be mentioned the common pea