The male, staminate cones are oval, 3-8mm long, organized in dense clusters, with 3-6 stipitate microsporangia.

[3] It was originally described by Joseph Decaisne in 1834 and placed in section Alatae, tribe Tropidolepides by Otto Stapf in 1889.

It is native to many areas throughout northern Africa, mainly Morocco and the Sahara, and spanning throughout the Middle East.

This shrub grows in dense clumps, on sandy calcareous, rocky and clay soils.

This species is often found near Wadis or other arid sand dunes, with minimal water.

This species is not considered for conservation concerns as it is wide-ranging across the globe and commonly found in its natural environments.

The stem of this plant contain alkaloid ephedrine which is a medicine used for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory ailments.

The stems and roots of this species is also used for it fibrous characteristic to make string, cords and twine.