Fouquieria splendens (Ocotillo)

Native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, this woody shrub produces many long, slender, spiny stems from a short trunk. Dense clusters of red to orange-red tubular flowers appear at the branch tips, usually in spring. Small leaves emerge quickly after rain and fall during dry weather, while the green tissue beneath the stem surface continues photosynthesis. The nearly unbranched stems may stand upright or spread widely. Cut stems have traditionally been used to create living fences. Photographed in Florida.