Amorpha (amorfa)

[NL., fem. of am or phus, irregular: see amorphous.] A genus of leguminous plants of the United States, sometimes known as false indigo or lead-plant. The species are shrubs of moderate size, having pinnate leaves and long, dense clusters of blue-violet flowers, which are abnormal from having only the standard or vexillum, the other four petals being wholly absent (whence the name). The false indigo, A. fruticosa, is occasionally cultivated for ornament. A coarse sort of indigo is said to have been made from it in Carolina in early times; hence its common name. Also called bastard or wild indigo. a morphic (a-môr'fik), a. Same as amorphous. A- mor we , whan the day big an to sprynge, Upros our hoste. Chaucer, Gen. Prol. to C. Т., 1. 823.