Fouquieria is a genus of flowering plants native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. These unique plants are known for their distinctive, spiny stems and ability to thrive in harsh desert environments. The most well-known species is Fouquieria columnaris, commonly called the organ pipe cactus, which can grow tall and has a striking appearance. Fouquieria plants are adapted to conserve water and often have a thick, waxy coating on their surfaces. They play an important role in their ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various desert wildlife. Their unusual structure and resilience make them a fascinating subject of study in botany and ecology.