Ocotillo

Photo of a large Ocotillo, taken by Stan Shebs near Thousand Palms Oasis in Coachella Valley, California. Although covered with cactus-like spines, Ocotillo is not a true cactus. It is native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts in the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. When it rains, the Ocotillo quickly becomes lush with small leaves, which can remain for weeks or even months.