legume, loment

legume (fruit)
The legume or true pod, such as the peapod (Fig. 393), and the fruit of the Leguminous or Pulse family generally, is one which opens along the dorsal as well as the ventral suture. The two pieces into which it splits are called valves. A loment is a legume which is constricted between the seeds, and at length breaks up crosswise into distinct joints, as in Fig. 394. 1

FIG. 393. Legume of a Sweet Pea, opened.
FIG, 394. Loment or jointed legume of a Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium).

1. Text and figures from Gray's Lessons in Botany Revised, by Asa Gray. 1887. American Book Company & Co., New York, Cincinnati, Chicago.