NPS Photo

Ocotillo

The seeds and flowers are both edible. The seeds are 29% protein and 19% fat. Equal parts water and flowers, soaked overnight and then strained, made a lemony, not-very-sweet punch.

Branches placed in the ground and watered every few days, made living fences in a few weeks. The resinous wood also made good torches and firewood.

Apaches relieved fatigue by battling in a tea made from the roots, and powdered root was applied to joints and bruises to reduce swelling. A root tea was used to reduce moist coughing.