Ocotillo

Ocotillo

By: Niharika Annira

Habitat/Location~Commonly found in the Sonoran (near Sonora, Mexico) and Chihuahuan Desert~Grow on open, rocky, well-drained soil~Found on mesas, out washed plains, and desert grasslands

Leaves~Thick and leather-like~Narrow, 2 in. ovals~Sprout within 48 hours of rainfall~Turn brown and fall off when water is scarce

Flowers~Tube-like shape~Bright crimson red~Each is .5 to 1 inch long; clusters are about 10 inches long

Stems~Grows in an "S" shape, creating a funnel all together~Covered with spines that can be up to 1.5 inches long~Becomes woody when leaves die

Growing Adaptations~Thrives with intense summer heat and low humidity~Blooms only after it has receieved rain (usually in between spring and fall months)

Interesting Facts~Commonly used as fencing. because of its spines, to stop intruders from entering~Pollinated by hummingbirds~Can be used to releve swellings and wounds

(Fouquieria Splendens)