221 



sidered as a generic term applied to the edible fruits of several species 

 of Cereus, whence the terms "pitahaya dulce," "pitahaya acre,' 7 etc. 

 1 did not see any of these fruits, but the plant which was pointed out 

 as the pitahaya of central Mexico was a very large species, 7.5 to 10.5 

 meters (25 to 35 feet) high, somewhat resembling (J . pecten-aboriginum, 

 but probably referable to G. tetazo. 



Tomales are made out of the dried trait of one or more pitahayas. 

 For drying, the inner part of the fruit is taken out and allowed to lie 

 in the sun for several days. It is said to be very sweet and will keep 

 for a year. 



MYRTACEAE. 



Myrtus arayan IF. B. K. Array ax. 



I saw this tree only about Indian villages in the foothills of the Sierra 

 Madre. The tree here grows to be to 10.5 meters (20 to .'55 feet) high, 

 the trunk 1 meters (12 feet) high, and sometimes 30 cm. (15 inches) in 

 diameter, with smooth, gray bark and erect branches. In no place did it 

 appear to be native, but it seems to be cultivated somewhat extensively 

 in Mexico. It is grown in sufficient quantities in some twelve States 

 to be listed among their fruits, and the annual crop is valued at over 

 $1,200. The ripe fruit is sold in the fresh state in all the larger mar- 

 kets, and, according to Dr. Palmer, also in the dried state. I obtained 

 some of the ripe fruit at Guadalajara. It was greenish yellow, 1.25 to 

 1.87 cm. (h to % inch) in diameter, smooth, with a large, irregular disk 

 at the top and a smooth nutlet in the center; very juicy, and said to 

 have a rich, spicy, subacid flavor. 



One of the popular "soft" drinks of the country, which is said to be 

 very refreshing, is made from these fruits. 



The following specimens were obtained: 



EB No. 105. Fruit in formalin, obtained at Guadalajara, September, 181)7. 

 Herb. No. 2006. Specimens from a tree seen in the Indian village of Sun Iihiscito, 

 Topic, August 4, 18!)7. 



_, .,. GlIAYARA. 



Psidium spp. 



Guavas, or "guayabas," as they are called in Mexico, are common 

 along the coast and in the hot valleys of the interior. I saw four spe- 

 cies, two of which are wild. Psidium guam appears to be the one 

 commonly cultivated. It is usually a small tree, 3 to 4.5 meters (10 to 

 15 feet) high, often with a large top. The fruit is used everywhere. 

 It is often eaten raw, but generally made into preserves, jams, and 

 jellies. 



COMBRETACEAE. 



Terminalia catappa L. Almkndka. 



I saw this tree only in the town of Rosario and at La Paz, Lower 

 California, where it was cultivated. Dr. Palmer states that the nuts 

 are known as « almendras" or Mexican almonds. He says the children 

 eat the outer pulpy husk. The fruit, which is a drupe, is much flattened, 

 elliptical, and about 2 inches long. The stone contains a small, sweet 



