Fouquieria, commonly known as Ocotillo (aah'-ko-teo), is a unique family of succulent plants, mostly from Sonora, Mexico and the Southwest USA. They are unique in that the can take in moisture through their stems (commonly called canes) as well as the roots. This is a desert adaptation that allows the plant to obtain moisture from very sporadic and unreliable rains. Typically, when the canes get wet from a momentary desert thunderstorm, they become fully leafed out overnight. Until moisture arrives, most Ocotillo remain leafless, which makes it difficult to tell if they are living. However, the succulent tissue is in the base of the plant and helps the plant survive through the dry periods. Most species of Fouquieria are summer growers, and go completely dormant in the winter. However, one species, F. columnaris is a winter grower and shuts down during the hot summer months. The species from the USA are much more cold hardy than those from Mexico.
Knowing these three facts: Cane absorption, seasonal growth activity, and cold hardiness, you can successfully grow these beautiful species in your collection. When planting a Fouquieria, you'll want to spray the canes frequently during it growing season and plant it in a location that is not too cold sensitive for the species. There are 11 species of Fouquieria. However, only 4-5 species can be readily found and are relatively easy to grow. Below are short descriptions of several popular Fouquieria species.
Fouquieria splendens (Ocotillo) - This is the most common and popular species. It grows through much of the southern deserts of the USA and down into Mexico. Dense colonies can be found in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, which includes central and southern Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas. Typically, those plants from the Chihuahuan desert are more cold hardy. Ocotillo grows straight canes that are armed with numerous clinging spines. The canes can reach 15 feet (5 meters) tall and number in the hundreds for a single plant. Typically, the older the plant, the more difficult it is to transplant.The attractive tubular red flowers appear in the spring and are loved by hummingbird.
Planting Tips for Ocotillo: Please see our updated Ocotillo planting and care tips page for more information.
| Ocotillo flowers are among the most vibrant in the desert. |
Fouquieria columnaris (Boojim Tree) - This succulent tree has very unique beauty. The trunk grows like an upside down funnel with numerous skinny horizontal spiny branches. A single Boojim can grow to 30 feet (10 meters) tall. However, they are very slow growing and most that can be found in the market place are seedlings that are no more than five inches tall. This species is a winter grower and is best transplanted in the fall. It will remain mostly leafless in the summer when watering should be kept to a minimum. And, it will start leafing out sometime in the fall. The Boojim tree enjoys a warm climate. It doesn't mind desert heat, but should be protected from freezing temperatures. Large mature specimens can be seen at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ, as well as California coastal gardens such as Quail Botanical Garden in Encinatus, CA. Once you've seen a large one, you'll absolutely fall in love with the species.
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The light green exterior of the thick trunk is very attractive.
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Boojim tree with numerous branches |
Fouquieria purpusii and fasciculata - These two similar species are rare and highly sought after by caudiciform collectors. They are from central and southern Mexico growing on rocky cliffs. One of the most attractive features of these plants is how the spines and branches are connected to the trunk or larger branches. For example, a new spine is connected to the branch by a purple reinforcing patch that is diamond shaped. The purple diamond contrasts beautifully with the green exterior of the branch or trunk. Another attractive feature occurs as the caudex and branches grow fatter, the green covering splits forming beautiful patterns. These two species are summer growers and should be kept dry and frost free during the winter.
Fouquieria purpusii spine connector is purple
Determining the differences between F. purpusii and F. fasciculata can be difficult when the plants are young. The easiest way to distinguish between the two is to look at the leaves. F. purpusii has very narrow leaves and F. fasciculata has wide oval leaves. A mature F. purpusii tends to have a long columnar trunk with similar upright branches. The mature F. fasciculata on the other hand has a short fat ball shaped trunk that stays low to the ground. Here are some examples:
Fouquieria purpusii Specimens
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An F. purpusii shaped like an F. fasciculata,
but identified by it's narrow leaves.
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Fouquieria purpusii specimens
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Fouquieria fasciculata Specimens
Fouquieria macdougalii - Like F. splendens, this species has long canes, but the branches are so abundant that it looks like a conventional shrub or tree. However, it does attain a fat base when mature.
Fouquieria macdougalii is very well suited for pot culture. It has thick branches with a rough peeling exterior. This species probably has the most colorful flowers.
Like most Ocotillo, F. macdougalii is a summer grower and should be kept dry and protected from freezing temperatures in the winter.
