This woody shrub, called rumram in Arabic, is common on sand and limestone in the Arriyadh region, and is well known for its medicinal properties for healing mouth and skin infections and curing snake bites. Widespread, it is found in sandy wadis, rocky terrain and on poor pasture ground. A perennial up to 50 cm high with many white, bristly stems from a woody base, the small, linear leaves are grey-green. The flowers are white with a yellow centre growing in a zigzag fashion down one side of the stem. Deep-rooting, it is very tolerant of saline conditions. The plant is extremely tolerant of drought, wind and hot sun. It attracts many insects and is the food plant for moth caterpillars. Propagation is by seed. H. crispum is a useful plant for landscape purposes as a low ground cover. It must be noted, however, that some maintenance is necessary, since the plant becomes untidy over time: watering in summer will improve its foliage and appearance.