sophora

[Arab. sophera =a papilionaceous tree.] Botany: The typical genus of Sophoree (q. v.). Leaves unequally pinnate, inflorescence in racemes or panicles of yellow, white, or blue flowers; stamens ten, all distinct; legumes moniliform, without joints or wings. Ornamental shrubs or trees, from the hotter parts of Asia and America. Two, Sophora japonica (called also Styphnolobium japonicum ), and S. chinensis are grown in European gardens. The former yields a beautiful yellow or orange dye from the pulp of the legumes. The roots and seeds of the latter have been regarded as specifics in bilious sickne .