Lupine

Lupine (Lupinus), a genus of Leguminosa, belonging to the tribe Genisteae. In the Mediterranean region it is represented by annual species but in America, where they are more numerous several of them are perennial woody under-shrubs. They have peltate, palmate leaves, a bi-labiate calyx, a pointed keel to the corolla, monadelphous stamens' and a flattened pod. L. albus, cultivated in ancient Egypt, is still grown in Italy for forage and for its seeds which, when boiled, are a valuable article of food. The long erect racemes of white, blue, purple, or yellow flowers make all the species ornamental garden plants.