Parastrephia lucida, commonly known as Tola Del Rio, Qoriwata, Tola Tola, Tol Amarga, or Tola De Agua, is a shrub native to the high-altitude deserts and semi-deserts of the Andean regions of South America. This plant is adapted to the harsh conditions of the puna and montane ecosystems, where it is an important component of the local flora. It exhibits a moderate growth rate and typically reaches a height of 6-15 feet (1.8-4.6 meters). Parastrephia lucida has small, yellow or cream flowers that bloom in the summer, providing a modest display of color in its arid native habitat.

The shrub is valued for its ability to thrive in difficult growing conditions, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used for erosion control due to its deep root system. In cultivation, Parastrephia lucida requires full sun exposure and well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It is drought-tolerant, needing only low amounts of water once established. While not commonly found in cultivation outside its native range, it can be an interesting addition to gardens focused on arid and desert plants.CC BY-SA 4.0