I lately found a singular backyard characteristic of the desert southwest – the ocotillo fence. The Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is native to the desert southwest. It’s a distinctive shrubby cactus-like plant (although it isn’t technically a cactus) that may be harvested for development supplies. Ocotillo is a placing deciduous shrub that may develop as much as 20 toes tall. It options lengthy, slender, woody branches that rise from the bottom of the plant and are lined in sharp spines.   

Like many cacti, the plant comes alive, in a way, when water is on the market. Ocotillo has leaves, however they aren’t conventional leaves; they’re really tiny, greenish clusters that seem alongside the size of its thorny branches, particularly after rainfall. (the leaves appear to be boxwood leaves.) The plant might seem leafless (and lifeless) throughout dry intervals, however it can re-green in the summertime when the nice and cozy rains arrive.

The Ocotillo produces clusters of vibrant, tubular flowers which are often brilliant pink or orange, making a shocking distinction in opposition to the arid panorama. The flowers develop in dense clusters on the ideas of the branches, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds.

Ocotillo panels for Contsruction 

The branches of the Ocotillo could be made into a country fence that’s widespread all through the area. As a fence, the minimize stems can root into the bottom (in the identical method that willow branches will root and develop) as soon as they’re in place, making a fence line that isn’t solely extra everlasting however dynamic because the branches will seasonally inexperienced up, develop, and bloom.  

The ocotillo panels are additionally used as roofing for ramadas and different backyard options. (A ramada is similar factor as a pergola, besides that the ceiling half is strong moderately than open.).

Ocotillo options are primarily current in rural areas of the area. Such a localized development – using what’s endemic to a spot is a good way to seize the genius loci; it’s utilized in Arizona and New Mexico and harvested to create dwelling fences and different backyard options.  

This distinctive plant is a protected species, so amassing the branches within the wild is forbidden. If you will acquire or harvest Ocotillo, you could guarantee you’ve got permission on non-public lands.  

There are additionally suppliers like Rancho Lobos who’re producers of ocotillo fencing, and that is how they describe the product:

These shrubs have been utilized by rural communities for ages within the development of fences, ramadas and ceiling decorations. With the distinct characteristic that, when used for fencing, the ocotillo stems are buried about 4 to six inches into the bottom, permitting them to root, offering a dwelling fence that may develop as much as 20 toes tall. For industrial functions the stems are minimize 2 to three toes from the bottom, selecting diameters between 3/4 to 2 inches, thought of to be mature stems. They current little to no spines, apart from the highest a part of the stem, which is trimmed to supply segments as uniform as attainable 6 toes tall. Then they’re woven along with a skinny galvanized wire (cal. 18) to carry them collectively and permit progress. Making fence sections 5 toes lengthy that may be simply rolled for transportation.

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