Useful Desert Plant Species

This is one of the most useful of desert species. No medicinal uses but very, very beneficial to the flocks of snowbirds who migrate south in the winter months.
The Ocotillo are in spring bloom. The entire stem has little green leaves all up and down with red flowers on the tips. The natives of this region often use these flowers for making tea for a harsh, moist cough seen in the elderly. Tincture from the bark is used for inflammation of the pelvic region. A poultice is also made from the bark to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Individual stems are often used as fencing material in their native regions. These stems then take root providing a living fence.