Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fouquieria purpusii
AdvancedFouquieria purpusii
A "tree ocotillo" from Mexico's Tehuacán Valley with a succulent trunk that tapers gradually upward in a cone. It is one of the few white-flowered Fouquieria and is listed in CITES Appendix I.
About
Fouquieria purpusii is a succulent tree in the Fouquieriaceae from the Tehuacán Valley on the border of Puebla and Oaxaca, Mexico. Most of the 11 Fouquieria species have red tubular flowers pollinated by hummingbirds, but this one is among the few with white flowers. It belongs with the similarly swollen F. fasciculata and the Baja California boojum (F. columnaris) in subgenus Bronnia; it and F. fasciculata were once placed in the genus Bronnia. The succulent, water-storing trunk tapers gradually upward in a cone and stays thick well into the upper branches, whereas F. fasciculata has a stocky, abruptly tapering caudex. The trunk forms by secondary thickening of an initially woody axis. As in all Fouquieria, the spines are the hardened remains of leaf stalks; after rain, clusters of small leaves sprout from their bases and drop again when the soil dries, a cycle that can repeat. The IUCN Red List category is Endangered, and collection pressure from local and foreign collectors has been reported. In Japan seed-grown plants are handled by specialist nurseries.
Basic Info
Origin
Tehuacán Valley on the Puebla–Oaxaca border, Mexico
Lifespan
Long-lived woody plant (little published data)
Size
Tree-like; little published data on size
Temperature
10〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeding in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Like all Fouquieria it needs at least several hours of full sun a day; in a greenhouse or indoors give it the brightest spot.
Watering
The roots are shallow and prone to rot, so time watering to the plant's growth cycle and let the mix dry in between.
Dormancy Care
Keep it on the dry side while it is leafless, avoiding soggy soil.
Soil & Repotting
Use a very free-draining mix that is more than half mineral grit such as pumice or sand.
Pests & Cautions
A CITES Appendix I species: transfers within Japan generally need a registration certificate, so always check for one before buying or listing.
Fouquieria purpusii FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Fouquieria purpusii?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow should I water and fertilize Fouquieria purpusii?
Fouquieria purpusii: watering & fertilizer — Light feeding in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Fouquieria purpusii?
The price of Fouquieria purpusii varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES): Fouquieria purpusii
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan: Act on Conservation of Endangered Species
- Japan Wildlife Research Center: registration of internationally endangered species
- IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Fouquieria purpusii
- Exotica Esoterica: Boojums and Ocotillos - Fouquieria species in nature and cultivation
- Succulentes: Genus Fouquieria
- GBIF
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix I. International trade is prohibited in principle, and in Japan the species is an "internationally endangered species" under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species, so transfers and display or advertising for sale generally require a registration certificate (plants propagated in Japan are also subject to registration). Check that a certificate exists before buying or listing. The IUCN Red List category is Endangered.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Fouquieria purpusii / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: Act on Conservation of Endangered Species / Japan Wildlife Research Center: registration of internationally endangered species / IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Fouquieria purpusii
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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