Page:Memoir of a tour to northern Mexico.djvu/94

[ 26 ] Zygophyllaceae, more abundant farther south. In the same neighborhood the mezquite tree or shrub was first met with, probably Algarobia glandulosa, T. and G. Prom here the mezquite was abundantly found down to Matamoros, but the specimens collected appear to indicate that there are at least two different species.

On the next day, near Sabino, an interesting bignoniaceous shrub was collected for the first time, undoubtedly the Chilopsis of Don, which farther south appears more abundantly. Its slightly twining branches, willow-like slender glutinous leaves, and large paler or darker red flowers, render it a very remarkable shrub. Dr. Gregg mentions it under the name of "Mimbre," as one of the most beautiful shrubs of northern Mexico. The character given by Don, and that of Decandolle, appear defective, though I cannot doubt that both had our plant in view. From the very complete specimens obtained both by Dr. Wislizenus and Dr. Gregg, I am enabled to correct those errors.

Near Albuquerque a curious Opuntia was observed; it evidently belongs to Opuntiae cylindraceae, but has short clavate joints, which make the