38 BULLETIN 1282, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Description 
NUT 
Immature nut.—Pubescence on hull usually abundant. 
Hulled nut.—Usually small (14 by 2 by 4 to & by 2 by # inches), hard-shell 
almonds. Number of nuts to the pound, about 125. Percentage of kernel to 
nut in hand-cracked samples, 15 to 20. 
Shape: Varies somewhat; moderately plump. Widest portion of nut one- 
fourth to one-third the distance from base to apex. Ventral edge usually with 
flange running its whole length; flange not prominent, sometimes merely sug- 
gested. Dorsal edge with ridge only slightly elevated. Base plump; both 
shoulders plump and sharply rounded; base scar medium size, oval, at right 
angles to axis or very gently sloping, usually dorsally, but sometimes ventrally. 
Apex sharply rounded, with mucronate point. 
Shell: Very hard. No distinction in hardness between outer and inner shell. 
Outer surface, light brown. Pits medium in number, small, deep. Inner sur- 
face of shell smooth. Ventral streak long, dark, wide. 
Kernel: Medium plump; long. Shape variable. Size rather small to me- 
dium (# by vs by 4 inch). Ventral edge curved. Dorsal edge only slightly 
curved. Quality inferior. 
Distinguishing characteristics —On account of the variation in the shape of 
the nuts, they are difficult to distinguish from other varieties. The Catamera 
nuts are always small and very hard shelled. The flange runs the entire length 
of the ventral edge and is never prominent. The color of the inner surface of 
the shell is light brown; the pits are small and deep; and the ventral streak 
is wide. The kernel is plump, but the shape varies. Percentage of kernel to 
shell is only 12 to 20. 
COMMENTS 
The nut is too small and the shell is too hard to be of value. 
13. COMMERCIAL 
Origin.—Originated on the A, M. Newland ranch, near Colusa, Calif. <A 
considerable number of the trees were grown near Colusa. The name was 
given the variety by buyers prior to 1890 and has been used locally ever since. 
The name ‘‘ Commercial” has been used incorrectly in many sections to desig- 
nate the Harriott. The nuts sometimes come into the market as Ne Plus Ultra. 
Description 
TREE 
Upright (ratio of width to height of head, 1:14), large, vigorous grower. 
Trunk moderately stocky; bark rough, exfoliates in thick flakes. 
Main branches.—Quite vigorous in growth, usually stocky. Branching angle 
acute. Bark dull reddish gray; rough on old branches. 
Twigs.—Rather stocky, medium in length. Branching angle acute. Nodes 
medium in size. Internodes medium in length (4% to 14 inches). Bark dull 
green, tinged with brownish red in autumn. 
Lenticels.— Numerous; raised; usually narrow and long, but vary much in 
shape and size. Apexes usually acute, but sometimes very blunt. 
Foliage—Seldom dense. Leaves vary much in manner of curling up and in 
twist of petiole. 
Blade: Variable in size; generally medium to rather small (average, 1 by 3 
inches; ratio of width to length of blade, about 1:3). Shape elliptical or 
ovate. Base acute to obtuse; origin of margins commonly symmetrical. Apex 
quite bluntly acute. Margin sharply crenate, but frequently serrate near base 
and apex of blade; bristle wide. Basal crenation, or sometimes two basal 
crenations, glandular. Glands two to four, often three, globular, green, or 
light brownish green late in season. 
NUT 
Immature nut—Size medium (1% by 14 by } inches). Shape plump, oval. 
Ventral edge curves most at base and apex; suture a distinct line. Dorsal edge 
straight, curving most at apex. 
