About Fouquieria splendens Engelm.
Botanical characteristics: Fouquieria splendens Engelm. (ocotillo) grows in dry, generally rocky desert soils. Ocotillo reaches maturity between 60 and 100 years of age, and grows to a maximum height of 10–15 feet (3.0–4.6 m). It forms a clump of 40–75 straight, slender greenish branches covered with thorns; each stem may reach a diameter of 6 cm at its base. The branches have rough bark, and produce small, ovate leaves 2–4 cm long directly from their sides. After rainfall, the plant quickly grows lush with new leaves, which may remain for weeks or even months. Cultivated specimens may not develop any secondary branches. Leaf stalks harden into blunt spines, and new leaves sprout from the base of each spine. Bright crimson flowers grow on mature plants especially after rainfall in spring, summer, and occasionally fall; they are clustered indeterminately at the tips of each stem. Individual flowers are mildly zygomorphic, and are pollinated by hummingbirds and native carpenter bees. The flowers last between one and a half to 2 months. Cultivation: Ocotillo can be planted year-round with proper care. Ideal cultivated plants are grown in pots from stem cuttings and from seed. Transplanting large bare-root plants has only marginal success. Plants should be planted at the same depth they originally grew at, and like cacti, placed in their original directional orientation: the original south side of the plant, which has developed greater resistance to heat and sunlight, should again face the brighter, hotter southern direction. If the original direction is not marked, transplant success is limited. Uses: In ocotillo's native region, individual stems are sometimes used as poles for fencing material, and often take root to form a living fence. Due to their light weight and interesting pattern, ocotillo branches have been used for canes or walking sticks. Fresh flowers are sometimes used in salads and have a tangy flavor. Flowers are collected and dried for use in tisanes. According to *Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West*, a 1989 book published by Museum of New Mexico Press, a fresh bark tincture can be made by chopping or snipping freshly removed bark into 1/2-inch pieces. This tincture is said to be useful for symptoms arising from fluid congestion, and to be absorbed from the intestines into the mesenteric lymph system via the lacteals of the small intestinal lining. It is believed to stimulate better visceral lymph drainage into the thoracic duct and improve dietary fat absorption into the lymph system. Bathing in water infused with crushed flowers or roots has been used to relieve fatigue. Native Americans place ocotillo flowers and roots over fresh wounds to slow bleeding. Ocotillo is also used to alleviate coughing, achy limbs, varicose veins, urinary tract infections, cervical varicosities, and benign prostate growths.
