RHAMNACEAE 



*Mi or or hamnu s er ioooides is a densely branched, low spreading 

 shrub common on some of the foothills of western Texas and south- 

 eastern New Mexico, The branches are very stiff and the clumps of 

 brush rather forbidding. It has fascicles of rather small leaves 

 and black fruits. This shrub has excellent erosion control value 

 but is worthless as browse. We have no reports regarding it as a 

 bird food plant although the fruit suggests that it may be eaten 

 by birds. (Note: This should be considered along with Condalia 

 and Zizyphus). 



VITACEAE 



Vit is spp . There seems to be considerable confusion about 

 the names of our native Grapes. For convenience we have been cal- 

 ling them all V. arizonica. We arc making an effort to grow tho 

 different specie's and variations in the nursery for comparison and 

 identification. We hope to be able to select one or more of these 

 for propagation. From work already done it seems there is great 

 difference in the response' of cuttings and roots. For example, a 

 collection made below Ruby, Arizona, responded readily, while a 

 similar collection made a little earlier on the west slope of the 

 Black Range did nothing. While possibly some attention should be 

 paid to the fruit on collections made, the chief aim is to obtain 

 erosion control plants and not fruit bearing plants. We, however, 

 bear in mind the possibility of obtaining plants which supply bird 

 food. 



Parthe nocis sus vitacea, Virginia Creeper, is widespread, 

 almost, throughout the United States except in the extreme west. 

 In regions where it is not native it is extensively cultivated. 

 It should prove suitable for use as a soil erosion plant in upland 

 valleys with some moisture. It is doubtful, however, whether it 

 will prove as satisfactory as our native wild grapes which are 

 suitable for use in the same sites. This vine, like the grapes, 

 supplies considerable food for birds. 



Cissus incisa, Treebine, with us is a rare woody vine con- 

 fined to draws and canyons of the southern part of New Mexico and 

 Arizona within our range but extending eastward to Florida and 

 south to the Tropics. It lias thick, fleshy three-foliate leaves 

 ,and tendrils and is suitable for an ornamental. The fruits are 

 eaten by birds and the thick leaves have boon used for' salads. The 

 plant has been accused of being poisonous to tho touch, like poison 

 ivy. This is probably a gross exaggeration. 



MALVACEAE 



Abutilon spp. Several species of Indian Fallow occur in the 

 west and southwest. Some are interesting erect herbs with large, 



-110- 



