metaphor

    The ocotillo is a Sonoran desert plant that grows long, sweeping branches from a compact base. Several times a year, usually following a rain storm, an ocotillo plant will burst with green leaves and bright red flowers. Broken branches that fall to the ground will often root and sprout into new plants.
    The long arching branches of this plant clearly represent the directions Maricopa's Ocotillo process may take.

a "real" ocotillo

see an ocotillo