Arizona, Four Peaks Wilderness: Ocotillos Or Vine Cacti Stock Image

The ocotillo is a desert plant of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its also called vine cactus, although it is not a true cactus. For much of the year, the branches are spiny dry sticks. With rainfall - photo taken at the end of February after some rain - the plant quickly becomes lush with small 2- 4 cm (1inch) leaves, which may remain for weeks or even months.> In the background the Mazatzal Mountain Range with Four Peaks. Please, check out my portfolio for more views of The Four Peaks!