How to Grow and Care for Tetraena

Tetraena mongolica is of great importance in its native region, China's western Ordos Plateau, because it helps to stabilize the sandy soil and hold down erosion. Strip mining of coal might be a cause of its slow decline. It is listed in China's red book of threatened species. Despite its endangered status, tetraena mongolica is sometimes used as firewood, and for that reason, it is known as 'oil firewood'.

This halophile or xerophile plant can grow up to 50 cm. It has sub-cylindrical or curved leaves and flowers ranging from white to yellow. Its fruit measures 5 to 7 mm.

Tetraena chrysopteros is a resilient shrub distinguished by its silver-green foliage and winged seeds that gleam in the sunlight. Adapted to arid conditions, its deep root system enables survival in harsh desert climates. The rounded leaves and bright yellow flowers of tetraena chrysopteros provide a stark contrast to its sparse, rocky habitats.

Tetraena retrofracta is a resilient shrub adapted to arid climates, with a distinct growth pattern consisting of compact, leafless, green branches that sharply zigzag. These succulent-like branches help conserve water, ending with clusters of small, yellow flowers that bloom under direct sunlight, attracting pollinators and aiding in its desert survival.

White bean-caper (Tetraena alba) is highly salt-tolerant, storing excess salt in its leaves and shedding them when needed. Native to North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, white bean-caper produces small white flowers and five-lobed fruits on its whitish green stalks.