[1][2][3] It is found in parts of central Chile, southern Peru, Bolivia, and Andean (northwestern) Argentina.

The leaves are pinnate, up to 20 cm (8 in) long, with twelve to twenty leaflets arranged in pairs.

The fruits are twisted or coiled pods, up to 15 cm (6 in) long, containing several coffee-coloured seeds inside.

[8] Neltuma chilensis is found in Peru, Bolivia, eastern Argentina, and central Chile, growing on light soils in arid regions.

The leaves are used as fodder for livestock and the pods and seeds are of high nutritive value and are ground to make an animal feed.