[1] This shrub is native to Argentina, where it grows in arid and saline soils.

It became well known in California after it was introduced to Imperial County and took hold in the wild, growing as an invasive noxious weed.

Many plants may grow together in an area, forming a monotypic stand.

Whitish spines up to 2 cm long appear near the leaf bases.

The fruit is a bright yellow seed pod coiled tightly into a cylindrical stick up to 5 cm long.