The Arizona-Sonoran Desert is my home, and it's the home of one of our favorite desert plants.
It's called Ocotillo, and its long, thin stems studded with thorns make it the perfect poor man's fencing material.
The interesting thing is that when the cut end touches the ground, the Ocotillo sends out roots, and establishes itself once more as a living plant.
Ocotillo becomes a living fence!
Now that's what I call "going green!"
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.
Think of me as your local expert.
photo copyright Mike in Tucson
I show up ON TIME. I do WHAT I SAY I'm going to do. I FINISH what I start. If I mess up, I 'FESS UP & I fix it. In the mortgage business, these 4 things are why you'll want to do business with me.
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Sounds like the desert version of bamboo!!! It sure looks nice.
Mike, I like the way it grows straight up and thin like you said like a fence. Very cool desert plant.
We have tried and tried and tried to get the lovely Ocotillos to grow for us. And despite thoughtful care that we have given them, they all have managed to die. After the third died we just planted a bush.
I was ignorant of this plant and wonder if they were in Santa Fe and I just didn't know it! Isn't nature amazing! You might have noticed I'm obsessed at the moment with all the beautiful flowers blooming here in WNC. Enjoyed your post and photo!
Mike thank you for the suggestion. I needed some of that fencing not long ago when my neighbors dog kept digging under my fence and other neighbors fences too.
Don R.
Mike....That's really Green! I love it!
Mike - it looks like a good deterent for animals as well as some humans you may want ot keep away! lol
Each area has it's own unusual vegetation and I am amazed by the differences and how they adapt to the environment they are in.
Mike,
I just love the Ocotillo, it's also one of my favorite desert plants. After 15 years here in the desert, the Saquaro still fascinates me.
Cheron Lange
Cheron,
Saguaros are so impressive. Grand. Majestic.
Terry,
Thanks for commenting. Plants are a wonder.
Judy T,
If you're not watching where you're going, Ocotillo will reach out and touch you!
Judy G,
It is, isn't it!?
Don,
You can buy it at Home Depot here in Tucson. The plant looks completely dead when you buy it, but once in the ground, it comes alive.
Susie,
I don't know if they grow in the colder climate of Santa Fe. I bet someone will comment who knows.
Carolin,
Thanks for stopping by to comment. Maybe it's the thoughtful care that's doing them in. We just stick a piece in the ground every foot or so for three or four feet. One will live.
Gary,
It's my Darlin's favorite desert plant.
Steve,
Thank you for being the first to comment! Come again any time.
Mike in Tucson
Mike,
Nice Photo!