Lycium shawii, desert thorn or Arabian boxthorn is a species of thorny shrub adapted to desert environments, and can be found throughout the Arabian Peninsula, and some places in Africa.

[1] The thin leaved, rigid bush grows up to 3 metres (9.8 feet) high, with a lot of branches and alternating spines that vary in size, and grow along the branches and on their tips.

It produces small whitish-pink or purple flowers from September until April, and red pea-sized seedy berries that are edible.

Plants often growing nearby include Acacia tortilis and Prosopis cineraria.

The berries have a laxative effect and were used in traditional medicine to relieve constipation and as a diuretic.