Lycium potaninii Pojarkova, Bot. Mater. Gerb. Bot. Inst. Komarova Akad. Nauk SSSR 13: 265. 1950.

Leaves lanceolate or linear-lanceolate. Corolla lobes sparsely ciliate, with indistinct auriculate basal lobes. Stamens slightly longer than corolla. Berry oblong, 2-2.5 × 1 cm. Fl. May-Sep, fr. Aug-Oct.

Lycium flexicaule Pojarkova, described from Kyrgyzstan, was said to differ from var. potaninii in having glabrescent branches, broader calyx lobes, and longer corolla tube. If it is actually different, it may be expected in China.

Sunny slopes, by ditches, occasionally cultivated. W Gansu, N Hebei, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, N Shaanxi, N Shanxi, E Qinghai, Xinjiang [Japan including Ryukyu Islands, S Mongolia, Thailand; SW Asia]