WordNet sense 1 (desert shrub of southwestern United States and Mexico having slender naked spiny branches that after the rainy season put forth foliage and clusters of red flowers):

ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens, Jacob's staff, vine cactus

WordNet sense 2 (a whipsnake of southern United States and Mexico; tail resembles a braided whip):

coachwhip snake, Masticophis flagellum