Dolichos
(from dolichos, long; in reference to the length of the twining stems, which in some species extend to the tops of the loftiest trees). ORD. Leguminosae. A large genus of stove, greenhouse, or hardy herbs or sub-shrubs. Flowers solitary or clustered in the axils, or in stalked racemes. Leaves pinnately trifoliolate; leaflets stipellate; stipules acute. Stems usually twining. Very few species are grown in gardens. They are of easy culture. All are increased by seeds; or cuttings of the perennials root readily under glass, in sand.
D. bicontortus (twice-twisted). fl. white and purple, disposed on long peduncles. Summer. l. trifoliate, on long petioles. Japan, 1869. Half-hardy climber.
D. lignosus (woody).* fl. rose-coloured, with a purplish keel; umbellate. July. l., leaflets ovate, acute, smooth, glaucous beneath. Stem woody; branches twining, rather villous. India, 1776. Greenhouse evergreen. (B. M. 380.)