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Ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens ssp. splendens

Fouquieria splendens ssp. splendens, Ocotillo
Ocotillo Flat, 3 March 2008

Ocotillo is one of the most striking plants in the desert, especially when its bright flamelike red flowers appear. It is hard to find examples of this shrub that are less than six feet tall. Many grow to 20 feet. After a rain, no matter the time of year, the Ocotillo is covered with dense green leaves. Within a few weeks, the leaves turn red or yellow, and fall off.

base of plant
Mine Wash, 2 September 2007

Thorns
Truckhaven Trail, date unknown

Young leaves
Mine Wash, 2 September 2007

Mature leaves
Cactus Garden, 22 February 2010

Aging leaves
Location and Date Unknown

inflorescence
Desert Gardens, 22 February 2010

flower
Desert Gardens, 22 February 2010

fruit
Desert Gardens, 22 February 2010

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association
P O BOX 310 ( 652 Palm Canyon Drive) Borrego Springs, CA 92004-0310
Office 760-767-3052 | Desert Store & Nature Center 760-767-3098 | FAX 760-767-3099