Ocotillo, Coach whip
Fouquiera splendens
Family: Fouquieriaceae
What it is like
The flowers are bright red.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in arid places. It occurs in desert places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Mexico, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The flowers are soaked in water overnight and used as a drink. This is sometimes mixed with other juices. The capsules and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. The parched seeds are ground into flour and used for cakes.
Edible parts
Flowers - drink, fruit, seeds, flowers - nectar
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Cardo santo