S. melitensis was eventually classified by Botschantzev in 1976 from a herbarium specimen in Leningrad, establishing it as distinct from Salsola vermiculata with which it was confused for many years since 1915 after Sommier and Caruana Gatto's description.

Its generic name is derived from the Latin word “salsus” which means salty, attributing to the salt tolerant nature of the species within this genus.

Species in the Salsola genus were reorganised various times, and their synonyms may be found in: Darniella Maire & Weiller, Fadenia Aellen & Townsend, Neocaspia Tzvelev, Hypocylix Wol., and Seidlitzia Bunge ex Boiss.

Provided that S. melitensis has similar developmental requirements as S. vermiculata, the seed may be able to germinate within 28 days under artificial conditions if incubated on a 1% agar medium under a 12h/12h photoperiod at 20 °C.

The trunk elevates the canopy to a height of up to 2.5 m.[3][4] Salsola species are normally distributed in central and southwestern Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.

In 1927, Borg reported S. melitensis (under the name of S. vermiculata) as being rare in Malta and occurring in Marsaxlokk, Birżebbuġa, and seaside cliffs in Dingli and Baħrija.

The plant is reported as being very resilient to harsh abiotic conditions, including lack of water, strong winds, sea spray and very little soil.

As it is a strictly protected shrub under national legislation, the species may not be pruned, cut or uprooted unless a permit by the authority for the environment has been granted.

Nevertheless, the plant was used in olden days as a source of potash, possibly as a cleaning agent as it may have been used in conjunction with olive oil for the creation of rudimentary soap.

The salt extract of S. tragus is also considered important for the regulation of hypertension, and acts as a uterine vaso-constrictor, and to it are attributed other uses amongst which as a diuretic and for the treatments of intestinal obstructions.

The roots of S. tetrandra are reported to produce tetranin alkaloids,[9] which are also useful to treat hypertension, and bear potential for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.