Wolfberry is a thorny shrub that originated in China. It was imported to Europe in the 18th century, but had been traded since ancient times for its medicinal and nutritious value. It is related to the potato, tomato, chili pepper and even tobacco. It needs lots of light to grow, growing best on dry sand rich in calcium and nutrients but poor in humus. It makes a great thorny hedge. In the Netherlands, wolfberry has been planted in the dunes to fight erosion by catching wind-blown sand. Although the plant is very hardy, it is not known for producing seed in this environment.