Fouquieria splendens Engelmann

Ocotillo
Fouquieriaceae - Ericales

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Protologue: F.A.Wislizenus, Mem. Tour N. Mexico: 98 (1848)
Pronunciation: Fou-qui-é-ri-a splén-dens
Etymology: after Pierre Éloi Fouquier (1776-1850), French physician, translator, writer, professor of medicine, and naturalist
+ splendid

Jepson eFlora Treatment

Article:
Killingbeck. 2023. Two distinct growth forms of the iconic desert shrub Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens): Tarantula and v-form. Madroño 70: 16–22.


Three subspecies recognized (according to POWO), only F. splendens subsp. splendens in California:
Fouquieria splendens subsp. breviflora Henrard - Mexico
Fouquieria splendens subsp. campanulata (Nash) Henrard -Mexico
Fouquieria splendens subsp. splendens - Mexico & s.w. USA

SD County Synoptic Voucher

Distribution:
  
Left: S.D. County Plant Atlas (http://sdplantatlas.org). Middle: GBIF (https://www.gbif.org). Accessed 23 Mar 2020. Right: SEINet. Click to see current records.

Images:

Fouquieria splendens ssp. splendens
A tall shrub, with a distinctive branching pattern.


Fouquieria splendens ssp. splendens
Close-up of shoots, showing fascicles of drought-deciduous leaves.


Fouquieria splendens ssp. splendens
Inflorescence. The red-orange flowers are hummingbird pollinated.