Ocotillo Hillside

Sabino Canyon, Tucson, Arizona, July 25, 2012

The Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is another indicator plant of the Sonoran Desert. Don't mess with the thorny stems. During monsoon season, the ocotillo leafs out. In other times of the year it photosynthesizes directly in the stems. It is sometimes covered with orange flowers.