Identification
Growth form: Subshrub, height 30-60cm.
Roots: Ratany has a shallow root system with 40% of the root mass no more than 4 inches (10cm) below the surface. Root system forms with other root systems of the same species to increase drought tolerance.
Stem: Dense woody, thorny branches, intricately branched.
Leaves: Leaves are alternate and pubescent, 3-15mm long, 0.3-1mm wide.
Inflorescence/flowers: Purple irregular flowers, with good soil moisture it can flower once in spring and once in fall.
Fruit: Thick walled, spiny fruit.
Similar species: Krameria is single genus within Krameriaceae. (Krameria grayi) gray coloration of stems and leaves. (Krameria imparata) difficult to decipher depends, on glandular condition (3).

Ecology
Life history: Long lived deciduous perennial
Native/introduced: Native to arid regions of the southwest including northern Mexico found in shrublands, desert grasslands, pinon-juniper woodlands, and chaparral.
Photosynthetic pathway: C3
Phenology: The growing season for ratany begins a month later than associated plants in the spring and spans 2 months longer in the fall when night temperatures drop consistently below 40 deg F. It leafs out in early April, flowers in early May and fruits by the end of May (1). Drought tolerant and fire resilient by quick regrowth from roots after fire topkill.
Distribution: Found in desert ecosystems, 750-1070m elevation, numerous substrates from sandy to rocky in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas (2).

Uses
Highly palatable forage for browsers such as livestock and deer, as well as overhead cover for reptiles and small mammals. Roots can be used to die material as well as ink. Papago Indians used twigs externally for sore eyes and internally for dysentery (1).