jointed podded COLUTEA: A genus of the decandra order, belonging to the diadelphia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 32nd order, Papilionaceae. The calyx is bilabiate, with two segments above coalesced; the vexillum scarce any longer than the ala; the legumen much contracted between the seeds. To this genus Linnæus also joins the emerus, or scorpion fena; though Mr Miller makes it a distinct species. There are 11 species, all of them plants of considerable beauty, with very bright yellow flowers. All of them, however, are rather too tender for this climate, except the emerus. This species rises with a shrubby stem, branching numerously six or eight feet high, closely garnished with winged leaves of three pair of lobes, terminated by an odd one; and, at the sides of the branches, numerous long flower-stalks, each supporting two or three large yellow flowers of the papilionaceous kind, succeeded by longish pods; it is easily propagated by seeds, and likewise by layers or cuttings. The leaves of this plant are esteemed laxative, and used as a substitute for common fena in some parts of Europe. A dye is procured by fermentation from the leaves, like that of indigo.