ADAM'S TREE (Fouquieria
diguetii)
Adam's tree is very closely related to
ocotillo, but is found only in the warmer desert regions
of Mexico, not in the USA. It differs from ocotillo
primarily in its growth form - it has a true trunk, with
repeated branching. In this example the plant is truly
tree-like. Other examples (see below) are intermediate in
branching pattern.
Two plants of Adam's tree (right)
alongside two ocotillo plants (left). Both types of plant
are funnel-shaped, but in Adam's tree the branches arise
from a single short, woody trunk above the soil surface,
and these branches produce further branches at intervals
to produce a denser shrub-like plant. In contrast, the
unbranched stems of ocotillo arise at ground level and do
not branch. Adam's tree also have thicker, more glossy
leaves than does ocotillo.
Go to
Ocotillo main page?
|