OCOTILLO

The Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is a distinctive desert plant native to the arid regions surrounding Bisbee, Arizona. Often mistaken for a cactus, the Ocotillo is actually a deciduous shrub, marked by its long, spindly canes that can reach up to 20 feet in height. During the rainy season, these canes burst into life, sprouting small, green leaves that capture moisture efficiently. The plant is best known for its brilliant display of fiery red flowers, which appear at the tips of the branches and attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds.

One unique aspect of the Ocotillo is its ability to leaf out multiple times a year, depending on the availability of water. This rapid response to rainfall allows the Ocotillo to maximize photosynthesis during brief wet periods in its otherwise harsh desert environment. Its flowers are not only striking in appearance but also serve as a crucial resource for local wildlife in the deserts near Bisbee. The Ocotillo stands as a resilient and adaptive feature of the landscape, embodying the rugged beauty and survival strategies of desert flora.