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.

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