Care of the tree Fouquieria fasciculata or Barrel tree |
|
The genus Fouquieria, family Fouquieriaceae, comprises 11 species of shrubs and trees native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Fouquieria fasciculata, Fouquieria columnaris, Fouquieria splendens, Fouquieria formosa, Fouquieria macdougalii. Common names: Barrel tree, Tropical Ocotillo. This species is native to Hidalgo and Queretaro, Mexico. Fouquieria fasciculata is a deciduous tree with a trunk thickened at the base (bottle-shaped) that reaches 5 metres (16.4 feet) in height. The leaves, light green in colour, are spatulate in shape. The branches have numerous 2.5 cm (0.98") long spines. The small 1 cm (0.39") long flowers are white and appear in corymbose inflorescences. It blooms in winter. The fruits, brown in colour, are ovoid capsules. Barrel Tree is used as an isolated specimen, to form hedges and impenetrable barriers, on dry and sunny slopes and in pots when young. Fouquieria fasciculata prefers full sun exposure but also grows in light shade. It resists light frosts. It is important that the soil has good drainage; Barrel Tree grows in poor, sandy and stony soils. Always water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. Fouquieria fasciculata resists drought well. Do not water when the plant has lost its leaves (dormant period). Tropical Ocotillo does not need fertilizer. It is advisable to prune the lower branches to achieve a thicker trunk. Fouquieria fasciculata is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture in the roots. Tropical Ocotillo is propagated from seeds sown in spring or autumn and by cuttings. |
Images of the tree Fouquieria fasciculata or Barrel tree |
 Fouquieria fasciculata  Fouquieria fasciculata |