Within the UAE, Jongbloed et al. (2003) reported this species from three scattered localities (Al Ain, Dubai and Ghiyathi). Karim and Dakheel (2006) considered it to be more widespread, with additional records from Dubai and Jebel Ali. Survey data from the Sharjah Seedbank and Herbarium show the species to be relatively widespread in western parts of Dubai Emirate and eastern parts of Sharjah Emirate, along roads. Sakkir and Brown (2014) reported a new record of the species from Jebel Hafeet, commenting that the species has spread into the area due to increasing human encroachment, benefitting from disturbed irrigated areas. A field record from the Dubai Natural History Group (DNHG 2007) found the species to be locally common in the Sharjah desert following winter rains, although generally found only rarely. The global distribution of this species is across north Africa to north-east Africa, the eastern Mediterranean, through the Arabian Peninsula, to Iran (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019).