Ocotillo Buds

During most of the year the Ocotillo looks like a bundle of dried up sticks with no redeeming visual value. They do sport tiny leaves when there has been rainfall to moisturize the ground.

But in the Spring, something magic occurs. Wet or dry weather, these dry sticks always blossom in April. For that is when the hummingbirds are migrating and feed on the buds and blossoms. They spread the pollen and help the ocotillo to germinate and propagate.

It is an example of how plants and animals work together to ensure the future of their species.

It is a symbiotic relationship.