Thousands of the species grow in a shallow basin on the top of the Gilf Kebir plateau, between the east and west branches of Wadi Abd el Melik. The growth was spurred by a rain event, there is ample evidence that the basin was once filled with standing water. The field was first observed in March 2002, with all the plants shrivelled and dry. Subsequent visits in October 2004, March 2007 and February 2009 showed a similar state, with no apparent new growth.

Shallow basin on top of the north western Gilf Kebir, October 2004