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ocotillo
Scientific Name: Fouquieria
Family: Fouquieriaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)
The Ocotillo, scientifically known as Fouquieria splendens, is a distinctive desert shrub native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Common Names
- Ocotillo
- Candlewood
- Slimwood
- Coachwhip
- Vine Cactus
- Flaming Sword
- Jacob's Staff
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that the Ocotillo has spiny branches.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions that the Ocotillo has thorny branches.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Fouquieria splendens
- Family: Fouquieriaceae
- Group: Dicot
- Symbol: FOSP2
Distribution and Habitat
The Ocotillo is indigenous to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. Its distribution includes:
- Southwestern United States: Southern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas.
- Northern Mexico: As far south as Hidalgo and Guerrero.
It is described as a "bajada resident," thriving in desert environments.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- The Ocotillo is a large shrub with long, cane-like, slender, spiny branches that rise from a single stem at ground level.
- It is described as an unusual shrub with many slender, spiny branches.
- It has a distinct growth form, producing many slender woody stems from a common base.
- It can be identified by its inverted, funnel-shaped form.
- It produces bright pink flowers on whip-like canes.
- Ocotillos can be relied on to bloom annually, even without leafing in particularly dry springs.
Quirky Facts
- Despite its appearance and common names like "Vine Cactus," the Ocotillo is not a true cactus.
- It is very closely related to the boojum tree but has a quite different growth form.
Traditional Uses
- Ocotillo was utilized for the construction of structures.