Lycium tenue is a shrub in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) indigenous to South Africa.

It occurs as far west as Ceres, southwards into the Overberg region, as far north as the Swartberg mountains, and as far east as Calitzdorp.

Its habitat is typically dry riverbeds and their surrounds, often in sands and gravels derived from limestone.

Like many other Lycium species, the leaves are pale green and narrowly obovate in shape.

The corolla is narrowly trumpet shaped, with five large reflexed lobes (petals).