DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA.

_Generic Character._

_Stylus_ planus, supra villosus, superne latior. _Calycis_ laciniæ
superiores 2 breviores.

_Specific Character and Synonyms._

LATHYRUS _sativus_ pedunculis unifloris, cirrhis diphyllis
tetraphyllisque, leguminibus ovatis compressis dorso bimarginatis.
_Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 662._

LATHYRUS sativus, flore fructusque albo. _Bauh. Pin. 343._

[Illustration: No 115]

A native of France, Spain, and Italy, and distinguishable when in flower
by the blue colour of its blossoms, which are sometimes, however,
milk-white; but its seed-pods afford a more certain mark of distinction,
being unusually short, broad, and winged on the back.

This species grows to the height of about two feet, and is usually sown
in the spring with other annuals; though not so beautiful, it forms a
contrast to the sweet and Tangier Pea, and may be introduced where there
is plenty of room, or a desire of possessing and knowing most of the
plants of a genus.

It flowers in June and July.