Ocotillo - a bundle of sticks

I know, here goes the scientific stuff again with the scientific name for the ocotillo plant from the USDA,

Kingdom	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class	Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass	Asteridae
Order	Solanales
Family	Fouquieriaceae – Ocotillo family
Genus	Fouquieria Kunth – ocotillo
Species	Fouquieria splendens Engelm. – ocotillo

During part of the year the ocotillo looks like a dead bundle of sticks. Close inspection shows that each branch has numerous huge spines. In the Spring or during periods of wetter than normal weather, the plant grows a covering of little green leaves and will then flower, tipping each branch in red or orange. From Wikipedia, "Ocotillo poles are a common fencing material in their native region, and often take root to form a living fence. Owing to light weight and an interesting pattern, these have been used for canes or walking sticks."

Because they are nearly straight, Native American Indians used the plant as a source of ribs for their shelters. Ocotillo are not uncommon as an ornamental plant in Arizona desert communities. The plants are related to the Boojum Tree but that is another story.