A genus of some 15 species of deciduous shrubs. Leaves alternate, compound (odd-pinnate), small leaflets, entire margins. Flowers small, in dense terminal clusters, whitish, bluish-violet, or dark purple. Fruit a short pod, usually 1-seeded. Native to North America.
Amorpah: from the Greek amorphos, deformed, shapeless; alluding to the incomplete corolla, only has one petal, others aborted.
Pronunciation:
a-MOR-fa
Family:
Fabaceae (legume)