Ocotillo- Fouquieria splendens- L=20'- The Ocotillo is abundant in the Southwest because the soil is well drained on rocky slopes, out washed plains and desert grasslands. It is are leafless most of the year, except immediately after rains. It then will produce narrow, oval leaves about 2 inches long, appearing in bunches above the spines. The leaves will quickly wither and drop after the soil dries out. The Ocotillo can be leafless for a long time, because the roots are deep and do not get much water. The Ocotillo produces bright red flowers appearing in spring and summer, occurring as a group of small tube shapes at the tip of the stemand. Mature plants have as many as 75 slender branches. The Ocotillo is pollinated by hummingbirds or carpenter bees.
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