The stipules are often replaced by a pair of brown spines, one short, down-curving hook, the other 1 cm (0.4 in) long, robust, and straight.

[2][additional citation(s) needed] Ziziphus nummularia is native to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon and Zimbabwe.

On the sandy hills of southern Rajasthan, it is associated with Euphorbia caducifolia, Butea monosperma, Millettia pinnata, Syzygium hyrianium and Wrightia tinctoria.

[3] Ziziphus nummularia has been used for erosion control, reducing wind damage, and allowing deposited material to stabilise, forming a microhabitat that enables other plants such as grasses to grow.

The shrub sends up many suckers from the root system and can be planted to form a windbreak, sometimes in association with Crotalaria burhia.