Originally thought to occur in just scattered locations (Jongbloed et al. 2003), this species is now thought to be more widespread (MEW 2010). Western (1991) recorded the species from Sir Bani Yas Island in plantations, although the origin there requires confirmation. The species occurs in Wadi Wurayah National Park (WWNP), where it is common in peri-anthropic waste ground (Feulner 2016). In the southern Hajar Mountains in the UAE, the species occurs along the ridge tops in the 'Olive Highlands' (Feulner 2014). Sharjah Seedbank & Herbarium hold specimens from inland localities (including in Sharjah, R'as al-Khaimah and in Sharjah Emirate on the east coast at Kalba. The species is considered native to North America, Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (Board of Trustees, RBG Kew 2019). The native status of the species in the Americas has been controversial, but molecular research suggests that it is native there (Martín-Bravo et al. 2007).