112 TREES AND SHIM B8 



The Sumac Family (Anacardiaceae) is represented by 

 two or three well known shrubs or woody vines and by two or 

 three species of stiff spreading shrubs that occur on the mesas. 

 All our species have been referred to the genus Rhus until 

 quite recently, but the more recent treatment, which separates 

 them into several genera, is more satisfactory, and is followed 

 here. 



The Lemitas (Schmaltzia trilobata and 5". emoryi) are 

 widely branching shrubs with trifoliolate leaves on long 

 slender stems, and inconspciuous yellowish flowers, which 

 appear before the leaves. These shrubs occur mainly on the 

 drier mesas and in the arroyos, where they endure the extremes 

 of drought. The first named species frequently occurs in the 

 valleys, and lias been cultivated in a good many places, form- 

 ing dense masses of vegetation 6 to 10 feet high, with long 

 slender vine-like branches. The stems of this species are 

 used more or less extensively by the Mexican basket makers; 

 and the roots, which are long and slender and of a dark red 

 color, are used by the Mescalero Indian women in making 

 baskets. Both species are well worth cultivation, and are 

 relatively easily transplanted. 



Another species in the family closely associated to the 

 preceding, both in appearance and structure, as well as natu- 

 ral distribution, is Rhoeidium niicrophyJhnn. It may be recog- 

 nized by its small pinnately several-foliolate leaves and incon- 

 spicuous white flowers which precede them. It is also easily 

 transplanted and responds readilv to an increased water sup- 

 ply. 



Poison Oak (Toxicodendron rydbergii) is fairly com- 

 mon in the mountains, and of course is to be avoided on all 

 occasions. Where the name poison oak originated we are un- 

 able to say. The Eastern equivalent, poison ivy. is very much 

 more appropriate, since the plant is not infrequently vine-like 

 in appearance. 



Two species of Sumac (Rhus glabra and R. lanceolata) 

 occur in the mountains at elevations of 5.000 to 7.000 feet, 



