Some desert plants and shrubs steal water and nutrients from the roots of nearby shrubs which makes them hemiparasitic. One such plant is White Ratany (Krameria grayi). You typically see them next to Creosote or Jojoba and so far (in my observation anyway), it doesn’t appear that the shrubs are too adversely affected. Ratany is in bloom and/or starting to bloom at the moment so take a close look at the flowers next time you pass one. They’re really unusual! The seed pods are neat too so I’ll no doubt be posting a photo soon 🙂