One of the most fascinating plants of the desert is the ocotillo
American Spanish: [okoˈtiʝo]
Ocotillo is not a true cactus. For much of the year,
the plant appears to be an arrangement of large spiny dead sticks,
although closer examination reveals that the stems are partly green.
With rainfall, the plant quickly becomes lush with
small ovate leaves, which may remain for weeks or even months.
It will bloom bright crimson flowers in spring and summer
after more rains at the top of each 'stick'.