Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Candlewood, Coachwhip, Desert coral, Jacob cactus, Jacob's staff, Ocotillo, Slim wood, Vine cactus

Family: Fouquieriaceae (Ocotillo)

Distribution: Mexico, Southwestern U.S.

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Comments: For much of the year, the plant appears to be an arrangement of large spiny dead sticks, although closer examination reveals that the stems are partly green. With rainfall the plant quickly becomes lush with small ovate leaves, which may remain for weeks or months.