This Sudanian species is distributed in Africa across the Middle East and neighboring regions until Pakistan. Within the Arabian Peninsula, it is native to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Gulf States, Oman, Yemen, and Socotra.

This desert annual germinates only in rainy years, rapidly producing fleshy stems and leaves that efficiently store water. Moisture is retained better in the plant than in the surrounding soil. Once dry, it preserves a star-like shape and can remain intact for years. Its fruit capsules open along five vertical clefts when wet. Raindrops trigger seed release by ejecting them through these openings, but only when rainfall is sufficient, effectively allowing the dead plant to "measure" rain levels. In drier years, few seeds germinate, and resulting plants remain small with limited flowering.

Medicinal use

Used in folk medicine for treating indigestion, flatulence, and reducing blood pressure.