Three Way of Looking at an Ocotillo

Of course there are many ways of looking at an Ocotillo, which, by the way, is not a cactus.  The species (Fouquieria splendens) is indigenous to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts; it grows  primarily in rocky, well-draining soil.  Most of the year it is leafless, but after spring and summer rainfall its leaves quickly appear, ready to begin the process of photosynthesis.  It can grow new leaves in as little as five days time.  It blooms even when leafless, and hummingbirds absolutely love the plant's flowers.

Black-throated Sparrow

Sunlight flowing down the mountain flank

Part of this Prickly Pear Cactus is practically dead

Large arroyo on Tortugas's west side

Heading up the arroyo

You can see how hard the water ran here

Parts of the sandy bottom are still wet

Carpets of Chinchweed

Dead Yucca stalk sculpture

Ocotillo wand shadows

A source of shade where there are no trees

Ocotillo (aka "Buggy Whip")