Ocotillo in Bloom!

This is the gorgeous bloom of an Ocotillo.  Ocotillo is not a true cactus. For much of the year, the plant appears to be an arrangement of large spiny dead sticks, although closer examination reveals that the stems are partly green. With rainfall, the plant quickly becomes lush with small leaves, which may remain for weeks or even months.  The bright crimson flowers appear especially after rainfall in spring, summer, and occasionally fall.   Look how delicate the parts of the blossom are.  When you see one of these plants from a distance, even when it is in bloom, you don't see the blossoms right away.  But the burst of color is welcome in such a subtle landscape.