This is an image of a type of plant native to the Sonora and Chihuahua Deserts. The Ocotillo cactus is not a true cactus.
Genuine Curteich-Chicago “C.T. Art Colortone”
The description on the back states:
277–OCOTILLO CACTUS
Forqueiria Splendens, also called Candlewood, Coach-whip Vine Cactus and Jacob’s Staff, at time appears as dry sticks only. The rainy season causes it to flame with slender, brilliant red panicles of bloom. Many Southwestern hillsides are literally covered with this spiny shrub.
–The stems are hard enough to provide a kind of living fence when planted or grown in sufficient density, and are also harvested for walking sticks.
This image likely dates from the 1940s.