Snyder Preserve - Fouquieria macdougalii
Family: Fouquieriaceae
Compound: Fou mac
Synonyms: Fouquieria jaboncillo
Geographic Origin: Northern MX (SO, SI)
Characteristics: A shrub to small tree typically between 3-6m (10-20ft) in height but occasionally reaching nearly 12m (40ft). It forms a wide, but sparse canopy with age. The main trunk of the plant gets about 2m (6.5ft) tall with a brownish-green bark when young and flakey, yellowish-green when mature. Leaves are bundled around the stem in an alternate and helical pattern. The leaves on new growth are ~3cm (1in) long, obovate and have a distinct petiole attaching them to the stem. These leaves take 2-3 weeks to mature before they dry out and drop off the plant, leaving the remains of the petiole (leaf stalk) which has hardened into a sharp spine that remains on the plant. After this process, smaller leaves grow from a bud at the base of the spine in response to moisture. The inflorescences are different sizes depending on how much water the plant receives. With heavy rain, the plant produces multi-branched paniculate inflorescence. On dry years, the inflorescence can be limited to one raceme. Flowers are a vibrant red to red-orange. Pollinated flowers develop into dry fruit with papery seeds that disperse in the wind.
Natural History: Found in a variety of habitats including coastal and inland sandy flats, bajadas, canyons, hillsides, and mesas between 152-610m (500-2000ft). This plant is drought deciduous and can drop and regrow leaves multiple times a year in response to moisture. The flowers are visited by hummingbirds and are an important food source for many species.
Cultivation Notes: This plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown soon after harvest in the late summer for best results. In Tucson, these plants can be grown in containers or against a south-facing wall. This species blooms after rain and has very showy flowers. It is very drought tolerant but can also tolerate lots of water. Full sun or partial shade is best. Well-draining soil is preferred, especially when growing in containers. This plant can be cut back to encourage branching. This species could be used as a barrier due to its spiney branches.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Uses for this species may be similar to F. splendens. In cultivation it is valued for its unique and attractive appearance.
Citations:
Turner, Raymond M, et al. Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas. University of Arizona Press, 1995.
llifle.com. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
https://llifle.com/Encyclopedia/SUCCULENTS/Family/Fouquieriaceae/11333/Fouquieria_macdougalii
Arizona State University. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
https://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant html files/fouquieriamacdougalii.html
Horticulture Unlimited. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
https://horticultureunlimited.com/plant-guide/mexican-tree-ocotillo/
SEINet Arizona – New Mexico Chapter. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Fouquieria+macdougalii
