Cercis canadensis var. mexicana (Rose) M.Hopkins

  • Authority

    Isley, Duane. 1975. Leguminosae of the United States: II. Subfamily Caesalpinioideae. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 25 (2): 1-228.

  • Family

    Caesalpiniaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Cercis canadensis var. mexicana (Rose) M.Hopkins

  • Description

    Distribution and Ecology - Trans-Pecos Texas, e to Val Verde co. Foothills, mountains, canyons, arroyos, limestone slopes. 2800-6000 ft, March-April. Mexico.

  • Discussion

    C. occidentalis auct. p.p. Var. mexicana represents a locally common group of west Texas ecotypes. Its claim to varietal status is dubious (discussion under var. texensis). I maintain it because it marks a well known phase of the species in west Texas and I am not attempting taxonomic innovations. Possibly var. mexicana once extended to southeastern New Mexico, but I have seen no present-century collections. Hopkins (1942) notes with delight the only known sheet possibly of New Mexico origin, and I suppose after 30 years it is appropriate to report it again. It is a 19th century specimen (NY) of “Mr. Blake,” marked New Mexico but without locality, and the notation “Camels eat this.” Referring to this specimen, W. H. Camp (NY: correspondence with W. A. Dayton) says “I don’t suppose, however, that overgrazing by this animal is a serious problem, at least in New Mexico.” It is entirely possible that this is a west Texas collection; west of the 100th meridian was New Mexico to Wright and other mid-century collectors. In defense of the possible pertinence of Mr. Blake’s remark, Marshall Johnston (in litt.) notes that camels were introduced by the U.S. army about that time for experimental pack use.

  • Distribution

    Trans-Pecos Texas, e to Val Verde co. Foothills, mountains, canyons, arroyos, limestone slopes. 2800-6000 ft, March-April. Mexico.

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