Photo Walk Around the World: North America Southwest - ocotillo

ocotillo, little torch

Foquieria splendens

The common name ocotillo stems from the Nahuatl word “ocotl”meaning “little torch”. The plant is a unique seed-bearing semi-succulent shrub, with tall straight branches emerging vertically from the base creating a vase-shaped form. Each branch is lined with long spines where small oval shaped leaves emerge within 24-48 hours after a rainfall. The roots of ocotillo are shallow and wide to allow it to quickly soak up any precipitation. The presence of chloroplasts along the stems carry out photosynthesis during dry periods when it is not advantageous for the plant to produce leaves. At the tip of each branch, beautiful, fiery red-to-orange sprays of flowers appear between February and June, depending on precipitation.  After the blooming season, fruit can be found at the ends of some branches which is known as “candy” by the Papgo and Yavapai tribes.

In traditional medicine, ocotillo it is known as a “blood medicine” as it is believed to have healing and regulatory properties by the Mahuna tribe. The Apache tribe used a powdered form of the roots to treat wounds and swollen areas or add it to a bath to alleviate muscle fatigue. In Western herbal medicine, ocotillo is used to remedy hormone fluctuation in women. It is also known as a stimulant, cholagogue, decongestant, expectorant, and a mild emmenagogue, making it a versatile medicine. The plant is commonly used in the North American Southwest as a striking landscape ornamental feature in residential and commercial desert gardens, adding to the unique look of a changing desert garden.

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