boojum tree Fouquieriaceae Fouquieria columnaris (Kellogg) Kellogg ex Curran   symbol: FOCO3
	Leaf: Helically alternate, obovate, 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long, entire margins, fleshy, occur in bunches, yellow-green to blue-green. Flower: Tubular, creamy yellow (maybe reddish), 1 inch long, occur in spike-like clusters (15 to 20 inches long) near the tops of the tree. Fruit: Light brown, 3 valved elongated (1 inch long) capsule, when split open they curve back resembling a 3-petaled dry flower. Twig: Yellowish brown or greenish, numerous 1 to 2 inch long slender thorns at the base of each leaf cluster. Twigs occur spike-like along the trunk. Bark: Light yellow-green, smooth but dimpled where small twigs have fallen off, very tough outer "skin". Form: Straight, single tapering trunk (up to 50 feet tall) with few branches but numerous small twigs. Looks a bit like an upside down large carrot. VERY UNUSUAL, considered by many to be the strangest looking tree on earth. They resemble something from a science fiction book.
	No range map exists for this species. See a map of the states in which Fouquieria columnaris can be found (opens a new window). USDA Plants Database Fouquieria columnaris is native to North America.