<p><i>Maerua oblongifolia</i> (<i>M. oblongifolia</i>)-desert caper of family Capparaceae, is a threatened medicinal shrub having various folklore uses to treat stomachache, headache, diabetes, skin infection, fertility, dog bite, snake bite, energy stimulant, toxemia, scorpion sting, blood purification, and bronchial problems. Ethnobotanical research further revealed that the plant has enormous nutritional value from root (tuber) to fruit in addition to personal care products. The objective of this systematic overview is to provide its botanical description, ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and conservation status.&#xa0;Pharmacological research has demonstrated that the plant extracts have a wide range of biological actions, including antimicrobial, wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, anti-androgenicity, and antiarthritic properties because of the presence of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins and quinones. These investigations would facilitate the formulation of the medicinal value of <i>M. oblongifolia </i>and its capacity in developing new pharmacological compounds to treat significant health issues. This work highlights the need to implement particularly in&#xa0;situ conservation strategies as well as ex situ conservation for propagation of germplasm of this valuable taxon. Enhancing knowledge of the medicinal and ecological value is vital so as to support and raise the more natural resources of this valuable plant species, which is diminishing rapidly. The overview underscores the important research gaps on the conservation genetics of <i>M. oblongifolia</i>. </p> Graphical abstract <p></p>