Fouquieria diguetii Seeds - Exotic Semi Succulent Shrub, Tree or Indoor Plant - NEW

Fouquieria is a genus of 11 species of desert plants and the sole genus in the family Fouquieriaceae. The genus includes the ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) and the boojum tree or cirio (Fouquieria columnaris). They have semi-succulent stems with thinner spikes projecting from them and with leaves on the bases of the spikes. They are unrelated to cacti and do not look much like them; their stems are proportionately thinner than cactus stems and their leaves are larger.

These plants are native to northern Mexico and the bordering US states of Arizona, southern California, New Mexico, and parts of south-western Texas, favouring low, arid hillsides. The genus is named after French physician Pierre Fouquier (1776-1850). The spines of Fouquieria develop in an unusual way, from a woody thickening on the outer (lower) side of the leaf petiole, which remains after the leaf blade and most of the petiole separate and fall from the plant. They grow well in pots and rockeries but sufficient drainage and a well-drained soil mix is of the utmost importance to avoid rot. Fouquieria species need full sun to high interior lighting if grown as an indoor plant. The flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds or carpenter bees.

Fouquieria diguetii commonly known as Palo Adan and Adam's Tree is a pachycaul succulent shrub with whitish or yellowish bark. This species has an interesting looking trunk and branches that branch out and grows up to 2 meter high. Bright red flower clusters appear primarily in spring, but plants may bloom intermittently throughout the year attracting hummingbirds. Plant it in well drained soils. It is occasionally used to produce bonsais. This species is named after Leon Diguet, a French explorer who was investigating pearl fisheries on Santa Catalina Island in the Gulf of California.