We normally associate fall colors with Maple, Oak, Cottonwood and Aspen trees but, we seldom associate desert plants with fall colors. At least those were my thoughts until my trip to Big Bend National Park last week when I realized that the Ocotillo plant also changes colors. The leaves of the plants come out after heavy rainfalls (typically in the spring), then they turn bright orange and fall when the soil dries (typically in the fall). In the spring, the plant generates a tight cluster of red flowers at the tip of each branch that last for several months. You can see these flowers on my Ocotillo page. I was able to capture the image below of the Ocotillo during this color change with a cloudless sunset in the background.
The name Ocotillo means little pine in Spanish, a reference to the fact that, like a pine (ocote), its stalks produce a resin used by humans for various purposes. Ocote is used by many Indian tribes in northern Mexico to start fires for cooking and to heat their homes during the winter months.
This image was taken with my Canon EOS 5D Mark III using my Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 Lens set on 16 mm. The camera was set on Aperture priority mode with the aperture set at f/14, shutter speed at 1/60 and the ISO set at 100.
This image is best when viewed large. Click on the image to enlarge it. Please use the section below to post your comments, questions or suggestions.
© 2015 T. Kahler Photography
Like this one a lot. Great shot. Love the depth with the big horizon and flat sky. Sunset color contributes as well.
Thanks Lucas! The colors were amazing.