Octillo series #4
Palm Canyon, Anza Borego
April 1985
The ocotillo or candlewood (Fouquieria splendens) is one of the most conspicuous and characteristic shrubs of western, low elevation deserts. It also exhibits a unique strategy to survive the arid conditions of its habitat, as revealed in this series of four images: CD1 048 through CD1 051. In this image we see the normal, dry condition of it's leafless branches.

After spring or summer rain, the ocotillo quickly covers it's branches with photosynthesizing leaves — as seen in this image — to nourish both survival and reproduction.

This image shows us the entire ocotillo plant, in leaf and bloom.
Photography by
Dr. Sharon Johnson
drsharonjohnson@comcast.net
Imagery & site design by
Kat G. Kalamaras