The Raymer enterprise., 1912-10-17


orally conveys the idea OF large sand
plains devoid OF all plant growth to those who
have not them But this is quite wrong
impression. for there is hardly a square mile
anywhere In Serand where some kind OF tree or
cactus cannot be found though there may not be
any water for miles around. This fact makes the
botany OF this region most interesting study,
for II the vegetation were not provided with spe-
cial means OF obtaining and storing water, It
could not survive al the trees and plants are
pe-ennials and have enormously long roots. The
mesquite tree tProsopis julihora) and the pale
verde (Parkinsonia torreyana) are the most com
mon. and the former bears kind OF fruit or
bean. which the Indians grind into corn re-
member once when travelling in the "Malpais" OF
Sonora was obliged to rely for a whole month
on these mesquite beans alone to feed my horses
and pack animals, for grass Is practically absent
these plains except for a very coarre variety
called 'galleta' by the natives. which Is some
times found In small patches. II says much for
the nutritye value OF the mesquite bean that
lost none OF my animals. and, only one mule
seemed to be suffering towards the end OF the
time. Most OF the low.lying country is covered
with the Sonoran greasewood larrea triden.
tatal n small green bush OF no value at all but
II Is ubiquitous throughout Sonora except in the
mountains. But the really characteristic plapt
variety of forms. They all have very long roots
some of which descend thirty feet to titty fee,
to reach water The stem itself Is formed Of
pulp, that grows round wooden core and this
serves storehOuse for the water they obtain
while they are covered with a kind O, glazed
cpidermis to prevent evaporation and are fur.
nished with thorns. which effectually prevent
animals from feeding on them. The "saguarro'
or giant castus tCereus giganteus) is the most
imposing, rising often TO height OF fifty or sixty
feet. II may be seen In vast numbers over tbo
plains and on the lower part OF the mountain
slopes. and It assumes an endless variety OF
shapes. ranging from the single straight stem to
when they are In flower, for at the end OF each
those containing fifteen or twenty arms To
those who see them for the first time they Ger.
tainly present a remarkable sight, especially when
they are in flower. for at the end OF each branch
they bear a wreath or crown OF fragrant yellow
rose or purple flowers. No less unusual are the
organpge cactus, or "pithahaya" (Cereus shot.
u. They grow In clumps OF eighteen or twenty
stems, and reach height OF fifteen feet to
twenty feet. rarer cactus is the bisnaga a
smaller form Of the saguarro but II has one ne.
culiar quality, which makes II very valuable both
to the Indians and 10 travellers In the country
for It Is the only plant from which water At to
drink may be obtained. The best way Is to cut
on mo Top anu 10 crush the pulp within with
piece OF wood or stone. Two to four pints OF
water can then be scooped out with a cup, the
amount depending on the size OF the plant Ex.
ccpt for rather sickly taste. the water Ia not
unpleasant
There Is another unusual plant also found In
this region-thc "ocotillo" (Fouquiera splen.
densl. This remarkable shrub. which sometimes
attains height OF fifteen feet. is composed OF
n number OF long, thin branches. covered with
thorns and bears the most brilliant scarle,
flowers
Once each year. Just after the short summer
rains, the country wakes from Its long drought
to belated spring. Gay-colorcd flowers nod
among the rocks, and the cactus blossoms relieve
the otherwise somber landscape. But this change
In the face Of the country is as transient as II is