Saturday, April 29, 2023

Sonoran Desert Ocotillo


Ocotillo is native to this area. But they aren’t common on the Double Barrel Ranch. I suspect many years ago they were harvested and utilized for their formidable branches to make excellent fencing. We brought them back in our “cactus garden” in front of the house and they have self seeded.


April has been a month without any measurable rain. But the Ocotillo faithfully produce their flowers, waiting patiently for the pollinators. The branches only sprout leaves during the warmer months when there is sufficient rain. And when the rain goes elsewhere, the leaves are shed. This sprouting and shedding can occur more than once a year. 


So here are these naked, thorn-studded branches, waving in the wind, with their glorious color.




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