Fouquieria splendens  Ocotillo
SHRUB.  Unmistakable clusters of tall, woody, thorny canes are topped with red flower tassels in April.  Flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds.  Grows leaves after rain and drops them quickly as soil dries out.  May grow leaves several times a year.  Common throughout the Empires.
FAMILY:  Fouquieriaceae (Ocotillo Family)