Abrus
(from abros, soft, in reference to the extreme softness of the leaves). ORD. Leguminosae. A very ornamental and delicated much branched deciduous stove climber, whose roots have the virtues of the common liquorice. Leaves abruptly pinnate, bearing many pairs of leaflets. Requires a strong heat to keep it in a growing, healthy condition, and to flower it well; and thrives best in sandy loam. Increased by cuttings under a hand glass, in sand, or seeds raised in heat.
A. precatorius (prayer). fl. pale purple, butterfly-shaped, disposed in axillary clusters. Seeds bright scarlet with a black spot at the base, used by the Buddhists for making rosaries, whence the specific name. March to May. l. leaflets ligulate, oblong. j. 12ft. East Indies, 1680. Varieties are now and then met with having rose coloured or white flowers