Lycium europaeum L.

A thorny shrub. It grows 1-4 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The branches are rigid and very spiny. The spines are stout. The leaves are narrowly oval and broadest above the middle. They are 20-50 mm long. The flowers are pink or white. They are narrow and funnel-shaped. They are 11-13 mm long and occur singly or in groups or 2-3. The fruit is a reddish berry.

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in hedges and along roadside. It grows between 1-2,100 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

The berries are eaten. The young shoots are eaten as a vegetable. They are boiled and seasoned with oil, lemon and pepper. They are also used in stews.

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.