

ALMOND VARIETIES IN THE UNITED STATES 129 
California it ripens so late as to be caught frequently by the first fall rains. 
Perhaps the only point in its favor is its rather late blooming habit. It should 
be eliminated from California commercial orchards. 
72. TEXAS (TEXAS PROLIFIC) 
Origin.—Supposed to have originated in Texas, but thought by many to be 
a seedling of the Languedoc. In California it was first grown in the Acampo 
district. It is now grown in every almond-growing section in California. In- 
cluding young nonbearing trees, there are more trees of the Texas in California 
than of any other one variety. 
Description 
TREE 
Rather vigorous grower, upright (ratio of width of head to height, 1:13). 
Trunk medium stocky, straight; bark smoother than in many other varieties, 
cracks close together, exfoliates in small flakes. 
Main branches.—Rather long and stocky, tend to grow upright. Produce me- 
dium number of laterals. Flat depressions common, twisted somewhat, but 
less than in Languedoc and much less than in I. X. L. Branching angle 
sharply acute. Wood medium brittle. Bark rather smooth, dark reddish 
brown, sometimes appearing grayish brown; exfoliates in small, thin flakes. 
Twigs—Moderately vigorous grower, medium stocky. Branching angle 
sharply acute. Wood slightly brittle. Nodes rather small. Internodes medium 
in length (4 to 14 inches). Bark rather tough, pale green, with some waxy 
bloom. 
Lenticels—Variable in number and size (average slightly below medium in 
number and slightly above medium in size, on bark 8 to 10 years old, 7s by 4 
to is by 4 inch; average, about % by + inch) ; raised, gray, long oval, rather 
rough on surface, apexes acute, sides of older lenticels rather straight. On 
young branches frequently rendered inconspicuous by presence of gray epi- 
dermis. 
Foliage-—Medium in density. Leaves medium in number on individual 
branches; flat, with the exception of tendency to recurve and to roil up along 
midrib: = (Pl XXVA, B.) 
Blade: Size % by 24 to 14 by 384 inches; average, medium (1 by 3 inches; 
ratio of width to length, about 1:3). Shape broad ovate. Base acute to ob- 
tuse, origin of margins symmetrical or nearly so. Apex half more or less 
tapering. Apex acute. Margins crenate, length of crenations variable, depth 
rather shallow. Upper surface of blade dark green; lower surface dull light 
green. Midrib medium large, prominent, pale. Veins distinct. 
Petiole: Length 4 to 14 inches; average, medium ({ inch; ratio of length 
of petiole to length of blade, about 2:7) ; medium stocky, medium rigid. Light 
green, tinged with red in fall. Groove narrow, deep near blade, shallow 
elsewhere. Glands none to four; frequently one, commonly two, occasionally 
three, seldom four; when one or two, generally on base of blade, but some- 
times on petiole; exceedingly small, round or oval, grayish brown. 
Bearing habit.—Inclined to be somewhat alternate in bearing, average heavy 
crops. Nuts small except on young trees, especially when crop is heavy. Bears 
on spurs. in clusters, on wood I to 8 years old, spurs frequently live and 
bear two years and occasionally three or four years. Single spurs medium in 
length (4 inch) and thickness (4% inch) ; expands gradually to roundish disk 2 
inch in diameter. Buds large, long, tapering: scales large, thin, dark brown, 
moderately tough, with short pubescence on edges. 

NUT 
Immature nut.—Rather small (average, 12 by 1} by 1 inches). Shape short 
irregular ovate; part on dorsal side of axis oblong oval, on ventral side ovate 
or slightly cordate; plump; ventral ridge present (4 inch wide), grooved at each 
side. Dorsal edge less curved than ventral, curves squarely at base, fre- 
quently ridged or bulged at apex. Base round, sloping dorsally, grooved very 
slightly: stem cavity practically missing. Apex tapers from middle down, 
slightly truncate or depressed; style falls early; rudiment small, pubescent. 
99729°—24—_9 

