The ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens, is a curious desertplant of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. At first appearing to be an arrangement of large dead sticks, closer examination shows that the stems are partly green and covered (at most times of the year) with small ovate leaves.
The stems may reach a diameter of 5 cm at the base, and the plant may grow to a height of 10 m. Each stem is separate, and does not branch. The leaf stalks harden into blunt spines, and new leaves sprout from the base of the spine. The bright red flowers appear in spring and summer, occurring as a group of small tube shapes at the tip of the stem.
The ocotillo (also called the coachwhip, Jacob's staff, and the vine cactus) is a curious desert plant of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
For much of the year, the plant appears to be an arrangement of large dead sticks, although closer examination reveals that the stems are partly green.
Ocotillo poles are a common fencing material in their native region, and often take root to form a living fence.
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