CHUPAROSA
Chuparosa (Justicia californica) is a small shrub, up to 1.5 metres tall. It is found in sandy washes from southeastern California to southwestern Arizona. It produces small leaves after rains, but is leafless most of the year and photosynthesis occurs through the greyish stems. In February-March it produces masses of tubular red flowers (see image below), which are rich in nectar. These flowers (along with those of ocotillo) are a major food source for hummingbirds during their annual northern migration from Mexico to the mountains of the western USA.
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