DISTRIBUTION OF THE MALVACEAE IN SOUTHERN AND WESTERN TEXAS

Abstract

In connection with the eradication of the pink bollworm of cotton the writer was assigned the project of studying the distribution and abundance of the malvaceous plants in various parts of Texas. This work was done under the direction of Dr. W. D. Hunter, in charge of the pink-bollworm eradication work of the Federal Horticultural Board. The reason for making this survey was to determine if the malvaceous plants other than cotton were of importance in relation to the eradication of the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders). Throughout the entire survey no indication of the insect was found on any of the malvaceous plants other than cotton. From June to December, I9I8, and in June and November, I9I9, the extreme southeastern section of the state, embracing Hardin, Jefferson, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston, and parts of Harris, Fort Bend, and Brazoria counties, were thoroughly scouted. In June, I9I9, the vicinity of Hearne, I00 miles northwest of Houston, was examined. In June and July, I9I9, the areas in the vicinity of Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Pecos were studied. From January to June, I9I9, and in August, I9I9, a strip 20 to 80 miles wide on the Texas side of the Rio Grande from the Gulf of Mexico to New Mexico was scouted. The species of Malvaceae found in the areas studied are discussed under the following life zones: i. Semi-tropical Gulf Strip of the Lower Austral Zone; 2. Austroriparian Division of the Lower Austral Zone; 3. Lower Sonoran Division of the Lower Austral Zone; and 4. Upper Sonoran Division of the Upper Austral Zone.