An Illustrated Checklist of the Flora of Qatar - Unesco
An Illustrated Checklist of the Flora of Qatar - Unesco
An Illustrated Checklist of the Flora of Qatar - Unesco
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UNESCO OFFICE IN DOHA<br />
<strong>An</strong> <strong>Illustrated</strong> <strong>Checklist</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
John Norton, Sara Abdul Majid, Debbie Allan,<br />
Mohammed Al Safran, Benno Böer & Renee Richer
<strong>An</strong> <strong>Illustrated</strong> <strong>Checklist</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
John Norton, Sara Abdul Majid, Debbie Allan,<br />
Mohammed Al Safran, Benno Böer & Renee Richer<br />
2009<br />
UNESCO OFFICE IN DOHA
First published in 2009 by Browndown Publications, Gosport, UK.<br />
ISBN 978-0-9563961-0-5<br />
Text copyright © J.A. Norton, S. Abdul Majid, D.R. Allan, M. Al Safran, B. Böer & R. Richer, 2009.<br />
Photographs copyright © J.A. Norton, except Plates 45 & 66 © S. Abdul Majid; 3, 17, 19, 20 & 109<br />
© S.J. Aspinall; 1, 4, 8, 11, 14, 28, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37, 40, 46, 51, 65, 67, 69 & 77 © R. Richer; 2, 64<br />
& 74 © M. Al Safran.<br />
All rights reserved. No part <strong>of</strong> this publication may be reproduced without prior permission <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
publisher.<br />
The designations employed and <strong>the</strong> presentation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> material throughout this publication do not<br />
imply <strong>the</strong> expression <strong>of</strong> any opinion whatsoever on <strong>the</strong> part <strong>of</strong> UNESCO concerning legal status <strong>of</strong><br />
any country, territory, city or area <strong>of</strong> its authorities, or concerning <strong>the</strong> delimitation <strong>of</strong> its frontiers<br />
or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication are those <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> respective authors and do<br />
not necessarily reflect <strong>the</strong> views <strong>of</strong> UNESCO.<br />
The production <strong>of</strong> this book was generously supported by UNESCO Doha, Maersk Oil <strong>Qatar</strong> and<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation.<br />
The authors would be pleased to receive comments or corrections on <strong>the</strong> text, fur<strong>the</strong>r information<br />
on <strong>the</strong> occurrence <strong>of</strong> species in <strong>Qatar</strong> and good quality digital photographs <strong>of</strong> plants growing in<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>. Correspondence should be addressed to: John Norton, Browndown Publications, 215 Forton<br />
Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 3HB, UK (e-mail: books@jnecology.com)<br />
Printed by Ashford Colour Press Ltd, Gosport, UK.<br />
Cover photograph: a sandy wadi with Acacia tortilis and Lycium shawii, within an area <strong>of</strong> gently undulating<br />
limestone ‘hamada’ – <strong>the</strong> characteristic landscape <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> (south-west <strong>Qatar</strong>, March 2007). Insets: Convolvulus<br />
cephalodpodus, <strong>An</strong>astatica hierochuntica, Centaurea sinaica and Cynomorium coccineum.<br />
Contents<br />
Authors ii<br />
Foreword iii<br />
Preface iv<br />
Acknowledgements v<br />
Introduction vi<br />
Selection <strong>of</strong> Species vi<br />
Sources <strong>of</strong> Information vi<br />
Overview <strong>of</strong> Habitats and Vegetation vii<br />
Notes on Layout and Terminology x<br />
Map <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> xiv<br />
SPECIES ACCOUNTS 1-84<br />
Pteridophyta 1<br />
Gymnospermae 1<br />
<strong>An</strong>giospermae: Dicotyledoneae 1<br />
<strong>An</strong>giospermae: Monocotyledoneae 69<br />
References and Bibliography 85<br />
Internet Resources 88<br />
Index to Families and Species 89
Authors<br />
John Norton is an independent ecological consultant and botanist, based in Hampshire, UK.<br />
He has spent more than two and a half years in total working in <strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula, including<br />
spells in nor<strong>the</strong>rn Saudi Arabia and <strong>the</strong> United Arab Emirates to conduct research on <strong>the</strong> Houbara<br />
Bustard. Since 1998 he has made several trips to <strong>Qatar</strong> to undertake wildlife surveys and impact<br />
assessments, including a detailed survey <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dukhan area in 2007. He has a keen interest in <strong>the</strong><br />
wildlife and ecology <strong>of</strong> desert habitats and has built up an extensive collection <strong>of</strong> photographs and<br />
herbarium specimens. In <strong>the</strong> UK he is a committee member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hampshire <strong>Flora</strong> Group, which<br />
organises field meetings, and encourage people to develop botanical identification skills.<br />
Benno Böer is a botanist and ecologist working at <strong>the</strong> UNESCO Doha Office as <strong>the</strong> Ecological<br />
Sciences Advisor for <strong>the</strong> Arab Region. He has been involved in several international research<br />
programmes in ecosystem study, vegetation mapping and o<strong>the</strong>r forms <strong>of</strong> botanical research in<br />
Saudi Arabia, <strong>Qatar</strong>, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and <strong>the</strong> United Arab Emirates and has authored<br />
or contributed to several scientific publications and books including <strong>the</strong> two most recent floras<br />
covering <strong>the</strong> UAE (Jongbloed, et al. 2000, 2003). He has a special interest in <strong>the</strong> rehabilitation <strong>of</strong><br />
coastal and desert ecosystems and through UNESCO helped to set up <strong>the</strong> first biosphere reserve<br />
for <strong>the</strong> country at Al Reem in 2007 and is helping to establish <strong>the</strong> Quranic Botanic Garden in Doha.<br />
Sara Abdul Majid is an environmental scientist and dedicated conservationist. Born and raised in<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>, she has developed a passion for <strong>the</strong> unique desert environment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. She worked at<br />
an environmental consulting firm (URS Doha <strong>of</strong>fice) before pursuing her Masters in Conservation<br />
at University College London. During her time with URS, Sara has been involved in conducting<br />
terrestrial and marine field surveys including <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> baseline flora, fauna, soil/sediment and<br />
groundwater conditions. She has recently conducted research at Al Reem Biosphere Reserve,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> characterization and mapping <strong>of</strong> vegetation communities, in collaboration with<br />
UNESCO and <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Environment (<strong>Qatar</strong>).<br />
Debbie Allan is a self-taught botanist and naturalist who has studied <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> her local area <strong>of</strong><br />
Gosport in Hampshire for more than 15 years. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with John Norton she is working on a<br />
flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> area, which lies on a floristically rich coastal peninsula, to be published in 2010. Past<br />
work has included five years spent indexing scientific publications and 15 months (to April 2006)<br />
computerising botanical records for <strong>the</strong> Hampshire Rare Plant Register, a project funded by <strong>the</strong><br />
Botanical Society <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> British Isles and <strong>the</strong> Hampshire Wildlife Trust. She presently works as an<br />
assistant ecologist with John Norton.<br />
Mohammed Al Safran was born in <strong>Qatar</strong> and has developed a special interest in its flora and plant<br />
ecology. He studied at <strong>Qatar</strong> University and subsequently obtained a Masters degree in Agricultural<br />
and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University in 2008 and is presently completing his<br />
PhD on <strong>the</strong> ecology and status <strong>of</strong> Prosopis cineraria and Acacia tortilis in <strong>Qatar</strong>. He is also currently<br />
teaching at <strong>Qatar</strong> University Department <strong>of</strong> Biology & Environmental Sciences and is supervising<br />
<strong>the</strong> management <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ‘Biology Field’ at <strong>the</strong> university campus, helping to involve students in <strong>the</strong><br />
study <strong>of</strong> flora, fauna and soil relationships.<br />
Renee Richer is visiting assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor at Weill Cornell Medical College in <strong>Qatar</strong>. Trained as a<br />
botanist and ecologist at Harvard University, she worked in sou<strong>the</strong>rn Africa from 1994-2002. While<br />
assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor and director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Environmental Conservation and Research Center at <strong>the</strong><br />
American University <strong>of</strong> Armenia, she worked closely with government, NGOs and communities in<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>ring environmental development in <strong>the</strong> country, culminating in <strong>the</strong> Whitley award in 2007.<br />
With a keen interest in environmental science and sustainable development in arid regions, she<br />
has authored scientific publications and co-authored a book on environmental course design. She<br />
is currently studying <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Foreword<br />
This illustrated plant species <strong>Checklist</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> has been produced in <strong>the</strong><br />
overall framework <strong>of</strong> a major project linking biodiversity conservation with cultural<br />
heritage, namely <strong>the</strong> Quranic Botanic Garden (QBG) in <strong>Qatar</strong>. The guidelines for <strong>the</strong> QBG<br />
have been developed under <strong>the</strong> guidance <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation and with <strong>the</strong> international<br />
and inter-disciplinary support and expert advice <strong>of</strong> Mr. Abdulaziz Al Midfa (United Arab<br />
Emirates), Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Muftah (<strong>Qatar</strong>), Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Kamal Batanouny (<strong>Qatar</strong><br />
Foundation), Dr. Benno Böer (UNESCO), Dr. Gary Brown (Kuwait), Dr. Uwe Herpin<br />
(Brazil), Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. Fareed Krupp (Germany), Dr. Guido Licciardi (UNESCO) and Ms.<br />
Narjes Yedder (Tunisia). They have developed <strong>the</strong> over-arching vision to ‘Provide <strong>the</strong> people<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Gulf Region with a Centre <strong>of</strong> Excellence for Research and Education, promoting<br />
<strong>the</strong> conservation <strong>of</strong> natural and cultural heritage, emphasising <strong>the</strong> teachings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Qur’an and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Hadith. This will also function as a prime recreational destination’. I am highly thankful to<br />
<strong>the</strong> above experts.<br />
A lot has been achieved in a short time, since October 2007, when UNESCO and <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
Foundation embarked on this joint initiative, which received generous support from<br />
Maersk Oil <strong>Qatar</strong>, and which was assisted by Ralf Oliver <strong>of</strong> London and Botanic Gardens<br />
Conservation International. The International Advisory Committee met, guidelines were<br />
developed based on expert recommendations, <strong>the</strong> master plan was developed, reviewed,<br />
revised and produced, and an external evaluation report was compiled. These were all<br />
essential steps towards <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Quranic Botanic Garden.<br />
The flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula has always been important for <strong>the</strong> Arab<br />
people, as a source for livestock grazing, construction material, firewood and food. It is<br />
important in our modern times that we study <strong>the</strong> natural vegetation, learn to understand<br />
vegetation ecology, and document and conserve our national and regional flora. The<br />
indigenous plants have undoubtedly a large number <strong>of</strong> medicinal, pharmaceutical,<br />
landscaping, scientific and economic values that are yet to be discovered. This volume is a<br />
new and essential contribution, because and it contains a comprehensive listing <strong>of</strong> species<br />
that occur in <strong>the</strong> country, as well as providing important eco-geographical information<br />
about <strong>the</strong>se species.<br />
It is with great joy that I can witness and provide <strong>the</strong> foreword for this milestone as a<br />
supporting element <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> QBG. During <strong>the</strong>ir research <strong>the</strong> authors faced many deficits in<br />
<strong>the</strong> existing literature, namely a lack <strong>of</strong> reliable, accurate and up-to-date botanical data.<br />
I congratulate <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong>ir achievement, including those elements <strong>of</strong> real capacity<br />
building. I highly recommend this volume as an important source <strong>of</strong> information about,<br />
and education into, <strong>the</strong> understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Saif Al Hajari<br />
Vice-Chairperson <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation<br />
ii iii
Preface<br />
My interest in Arabian plant life started in 1988 when I travelled to <strong>the</strong> Harrat al Harrah area in<br />
north-west Saudi Arabia on <strong>the</strong> first <strong>of</strong> five trips over a period <strong>of</strong> two years to study <strong>the</strong> habitat <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Houbara Bustard, a traditional quarry <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arab falconer. Although a dry, rocky area, <strong>the</strong><br />
flora here is relatively rich, especially in <strong>the</strong> sandy wadis and silt pans which retain some moisture<br />
during <strong>the</strong> summer months. My work <strong>the</strong>n took me to Abu Dhabi during <strong>the</strong> winter <strong>of</strong> 1991–92,<br />
where although working as an ornithologist I visited all parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Emirate and quickly became<br />
familiar with <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong> plant life <strong>of</strong> this predominantly sandy area. Travels to <strong>the</strong> Al Liwa oasis,<br />
at <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Empty Quarter, were particularly memorable during this time.<br />
In November 1994 I returned to Abu Dhabi to work for six months for one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> predecessors <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD), where I carried out both bird and plant-related work.<br />
This is where I first met Benno Böer, who had already been employed as an ecologist <strong>the</strong>re for<br />
several years – having previously spent time in <strong>the</strong> Eastern Province <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia as well as Abu<br />
Dhabi, studying <strong>the</strong> ecology <strong>of</strong> mangroves, saltmarshes and desert vegetation. During <strong>the</strong> spring <strong>of</strong><br />
1995 a good rainy spell allowed us <strong>the</strong> opportunity to study <strong>the</strong> germination and development <strong>of</strong><br />
native desert plants, particularly in <strong>the</strong> confines <strong>of</strong> our research station at Sweihan, a 1.5 km x 1.5 km<br />
square enclosure (Böer & Norton 1996a, 1996b). Whilst <strong>the</strong> flora inside <strong>the</strong> station flourished, <strong>the</strong><br />
plants outside soon disappeared due to <strong>the</strong> attentions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> local herd <strong>of</strong> camels. Encouragingly,<br />
we also noticed that parts <strong>of</strong> an adjacent area had been fenced <strong>of</strong>f to prevent grazing. This may<br />
have been a measure to protect <strong>the</strong> wintering grounds <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Houbara, or could have been a now<br />
rare example <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> traditional Bedouin hema system <strong>of</strong> grazing protection.<br />
From this background, we subsequently both went on to develop a keen interest in <strong>the</strong> habitats and<br />
flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region and <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> in particular. After publishing an important account <strong>of</strong> his Abu<br />
Dhabi work on <strong>the</strong> anthropogenic impacts on desert ecosystems (Böer 1999), Benno moved to Doha<br />
to work for UNESCO, where he has gone on to promote <strong>the</strong> restoration and wise management <strong>of</strong><br />
desert habitats. Since 2002 he has been working to set up <strong>the</strong> first biosphere reserve for <strong>the</strong> country<br />
at Al Reem, which was finally established in 2007. He was also instrumental in establishing <strong>the</strong><br />
Quranic Botanic Garden in Doha.<br />
I carried on working in <strong>the</strong> UK as an ecological consultant, but in 1998, 2003 and 2004 I made<br />
brief visits to <strong>Qatar</strong> to carry out ecological surveys for environmental impact assessments at <strong>the</strong><br />
two main industrial ‘cities’ <strong>of</strong> Mesaieed and Ras Laffan. More recently, during February and March<br />
2007 I organised a large-scale flora and fauna survey <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> Petroleum’s Dukhan Concession<br />
Area, on <strong>the</strong> west coast. This followed <strong>the</strong> wettest winter for 10 years in <strong>the</strong> Gulf, which resulted<br />
in remarkable green swa<strong>the</strong>s <strong>of</strong> annual vegetation across large parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>. I was joined on this<br />
survey by Simon Aspinall, an old friend and <strong>the</strong>n long-term former resident <strong>of</strong> Abu Dhabi, who<br />
besides being a renowned ornithologist is also one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most experienced botanists working in<br />
<strong>the</strong> region. He has contributed several <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> photographs included in this book and made more<br />
than his fair share <strong>of</strong> noteworthy discoveries.<br />
The flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula has principally been studied and documented by visiting or<br />
expatriate Egyptian, Pakistani, Sudanese and western botanists, most notably Abdel Bari, Boulos,<br />
Batanouny, Chaudhary, Collenette, Jongbloed and Mandaville. Although some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se have<br />
investigated <strong>the</strong> flora in a pr<strong>of</strong>essional role through specific research programmes, o<strong>the</strong>rs have<br />
pursued <strong>the</strong>ir studies in <strong>the</strong>ir own time in an amateur capacity, particularly <strong>the</strong> Western botanists.<br />
In <strong>Qatar</strong>, most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> research has been carried out through <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, which was<br />
founded in 1977. Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Batanouny published <strong>the</strong> first and only definitive account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flora<br />
in his Ecology and <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> soon after in 1981. This was followed by a short, but useful account<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flora by El Amin in Wild Plants <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, published by <strong>the</strong> Arab Organization for Agricultural<br />
Development in 1983, <strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong> a 14-month collecting trip. No fur<strong>the</strong>r comprehensive works<br />
on <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> have been published since this time, apart from a few journal papers dealing<br />
largely with saline habitats and a detailed report by <strong>the</strong> University on vegetation types and soil<br />
relationships (Abulfatih et al. 2001).<br />
Unfortunately, <strong>the</strong> scientific value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> books by Batanouny and El Amin is now diminishing<br />
because plant names have changed and new species have been discovered. The flora has changed<br />
in many areas due to increased grazing pressure, <strong>the</strong> recreational use <strong>of</strong> desert areas and particularly<br />
through <strong>the</strong> increase in irrigation schemes in farms, towns and cities. Benno and I realised that a<br />
new flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> was urgently needed, but despite our reasonable familiarity with <strong>the</strong> country we<br />
also knew that nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> us had enough knowledge to be able to write a full scientific flora. This will<br />
hopefully follow in a few years time after we (or o<strong>the</strong>rs) have carried out more detailed research and<br />
have visited some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lesser-explored areas. In <strong>the</strong> meantime, we have compiled this checklist<br />
with <strong>the</strong> intention <strong>of</strong> providing an up-to-date scientific list <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plants that are known to occur,<br />
including brief details where known <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir status, distribution, habitat and uses.<br />
We were lucky to have found two local <strong>Qatar</strong>is, Sara Abdul Majid and Mohammed Al Safran, both<br />
with a keen interest in <strong>the</strong> country’s natural heritage, to assist us in compiling this book. Renee<br />
Richer who is currently resident in <strong>Qatar</strong> also provided useful information on <strong>the</strong> distribution<br />
<strong>of</strong> species and medicinal uses. The remaining author, Debbie Allan, shared with me much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
general research and compilation <strong>of</strong> information from o<strong>the</strong>r floras. Whilst <strong>the</strong> checklist is not<br />
intended to be an identification guide and does not contain any keys or detailed descriptions, we<br />
hope that it will provide a useful source <strong>of</strong> information for ecologists and o<strong>the</strong>r scientists carrying<br />
out surveys and o<strong>the</strong>r research. However, our main aim in publishing it is to stimulate interest and<br />
understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> natural habitats, vegetation and flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, which in contrast to <strong>the</strong> rest<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf states have been poorly studied and under-valued.<br />
The production <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> checklist has been kindly funded by UNESCO and will be used to promote<br />
and inform <strong>the</strong>ir Quranic Botanic Gardens project, being run in conjunction with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
Foundation and supported by Maersk Oil <strong>Qatar</strong>. The aims <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project include <strong>the</strong> establishment<br />
<strong>of</strong> a living collection <strong>of</strong> all native plant species occurring in <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, as well as plants from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula and those mentioned in <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran and <strong>the</strong> Hadith. It also aims to<br />
build up a knowledge-base <strong>of</strong> plant taxonomy and vegetation ecology amongst <strong>Qatar</strong>i botanists. In<br />
this regard we have great hopes that young <strong>Qatar</strong>i men and women will discover <strong>the</strong> beauty <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
national flora, develop a passion for wildlife and come to understand <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> botanical<br />
and ecological scientific research into <strong>the</strong> natural world.<br />
John Norton<br />
Gosport, UK, October 2009<br />
Acknowledgements<br />
The authors would like to thank Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al Misned, UNESCO<br />
Special Envoy for Higher and Basic Education for commitment towards botanical education in<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>. We also express our thanks to Dr Saif Al Hajiri, Vice-Chairperson <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation<br />
for his interest. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, we sincerely thank Jacob Thomasen, Saad Al Mohammadi, Peter<br />
Christensen and Maersk Oil <strong>Qatar</strong> for <strong>the</strong>ir support, making this publication possible. We also<br />
express our thanks to UNESCO Representative in <strong>the</strong> Arab States <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf and Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Doha Office, Dr Hamed Al-Hammami, and all <strong>of</strong> his staff, for <strong>the</strong>ir support.<br />
We are also indebted to Eric Clement (Gosport, UK) for providing advice and help on identification<br />
and taxonomic issues, for pro<strong>of</strong>-reading <strong>the</strong> text and making many useful suggestions, and also for<br />
checking plant specimens and for <strong>the</strong> extended loan <strong>of</strong> books on <strong>the</strong> Arabian flora. Thanks are also<br />
due to Simon Aspinall (Norfolk, UK) for permission to reproduce photographs.<br />
iv v
Selection <strong>of</strong> Species<br />
Introduction<br />
This publication lists all species <strong>of</strong> vascular plants (flowering plants and ferns) recorded growing<br />
in <strong>the</strong> wild in <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>. These comprise all species known to be native, but also many that<br />
have been introduced intentionally or accidentally by man and are now naturalised, <strong>of</strong>ten as weeds<br />
<strong>of</strong> cultivation. Several commonly-planted species are also included that are not yet known to be<br />
widely naturalised, but could become so in <strong>the</strong> future. They include a few salt-tolerant trees and<br />
shrubs that are becoming increasingly important for urban landscaping and ornamental use in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Gulf. Such species are widely planted to provide shelter from wind and sun, visual screening <strong>of</strong><br />
industrial buildings and for <strong>the</strong>ir general aes<strong>the</strong>tic value in ‘greening’ projects. The total number<br />
<strong>of</strong> species included in <strong>the</strong> checklist is nearly 400 <strong>of</strong> which about 270 are likely to be truly native.<br />
Naturalised species are <strong>of</strong> interest to botanists and ecologists as <strong>the</strong>y <strong>of</strong>ten become established very<br />
quickly when introduced into suitable habitats in places away from <strong>the</strong>ir country <strong>of</strong> origin. Thus<br />
in some cases <strong>the</strong>y may compete with native species for water and o<strong>the</strong>r resources. It is important<br />
in publications such as this to document <strong>the</strong>se species and publicise <strong>the</strong>ir presence so that <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
status can be monitored. In <strong>Qatar</strong> and elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> Gulf one tree in particular, <strong>the</strong> Mesquite<br />
Prosopis juliflora, originally from central America, has now become an undesirable invasive species.<br />
Although primarily found in and around inhabited areas, it is increasingly seen growing in more<br />
remote desert localities. In contrast, <strong>the</strong> native Prosopis cineraria or ghaf, which is on <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong><br />
its range in <strong>Qatar</strong>, is undergoing a serious decline. The vast majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> naturalised species<br />
included in this checklist are annual or perennial ‘mesophytic’ plants that are dependent on<br />
artificial irrigation. Many, however are also found in <strong>the</strong> numerous natural depressions in <strong>Qatar</strong>,<br />
particularly after winter rains, when soils may remain damp for a considerable time. It is prudent<br />
to monitor such species to see if <strong>the</strong>y are having any impact on <strong>the</strong> native flora, which also abound<br />
in <strong>the</strong>se depressions.<br />
Batanouny and El Amin visited cultivated areas as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir research and so recorded <strong>the</strong>se<br />
naturalised and ‘escaped’ species in some detail. Regrettably, <strong>the</strong> present authors have not been<br />
able to revisit many farm areas; instead we have concentrated out efforts on natural habitats. We<br />
have <strong>the</strong>refore not been able to confirm <strong>the</strong> current status <strong>of</strong> many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> species mentioned in<br />
<strong>the</strong> earlier publications. Several species recorded in <strong>Qatar</strong> have not been fully confirmed through<br />
expert determination <strong>of</strong> specimens. The two published volumes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arabian<br />
Peninsula and Socotra (Miller & Cope 1996, Cope 2007) only list species as occurring in <strong>Qatar</strong> (and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r countries) where <strong>the</strong> authors have seen specimens. In this checklist unconfirmed species have<br />
been noted in <strong>the</strong> text and include, for example, those recorded by El Amin but not previously by<br />
Batanouny, and a few old records by Obeid (1975). Where <strong>the</strong> identification is thought very likely<br />
to have been in error <strong>the</strong> species name has been shown in square brackets.<br />
Sources <strong>of</strong> Information<br />
This checklist is partly a syn<strong>the</strong>sis <strong>of</strong> historically published information, especially from <strong>the</strong> previous<br />
accounts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> flora by Batanouny (1981) and El Amin (1983), as already mentioned. It was<br />
felt important to summarise <strong>the</strong> information included by <strong>the</strong>se authors, as <strong>the</strong>ir works include much<br />
useful data on status, distribution and uses <strong>of</strong> species. More recent information was obtained from<br />
a list <strong>of</strong> newly recorded species for <strong>Qatar</strong> published by Abdel Bari (1997). O<strong>the</strong>r principal sources<br />
include <strong>the</strong> aforementioned Miller & Cope 1996 and Cope 2007, along with Boulos’s <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Egypt<br />
(Boulos 1999-2005), Jongbloed’s Wild Flowers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE (Jongbloed et al. 2003) and Mandaville’s<br />
<strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Eastern Saudi Arabia (1990). O<strong>the</strong>r recent floras covering Gulf states were also consulted,<br />
including those for Bahrain: Phillips (1988) and Cornes & Cornes (1989) and for Kuwait: Daoud<br />
& Al-Rawi (1985) and Shuaib (1995). Specific comments made by <strong>the</strong>se authors have been cited in<br />
<strong>the</strong> text, but to save space <strong>the</strong> dates <strong>of</strong> publication have not usually been repeated.<br />
Much information for this checklist has, however, been derived from <strong>the</strong> authors’ knowledge<br />
and experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flora both in <strong>Qatar</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arabian Gulf. None<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong><br />
occurrence and distribution <strong>of</strong> many species over much <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> is poorly known and so some <strong>of</strong><br />
our remarks are ei<strong>the</strong>r brief or generalised. Fur<strong>the</strong>r research and a mapping survey <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> whole<br />
country is badly needed. The least explored parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state include <strong>the</strong> extreme north coast, <strong>the</strong><br />
sou<strong>the</strong>rn borderlands with Saudi Arabia and <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fshore islands that lie within <strong>Qatar</strong>i territory. It<br />
is probable that such areas could support a number <strong>of</strong> hi<strong>the</strong>rto unrecorded native species. It is also<br />
likely that a large number <strong>of</strong> non-native species will be added to <strong>the</strong> list in future years as more are<br />
introduced through importation <strong>of</strong> food, forestry plants and livestock. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, little is known<br />
about <strong>the</strong> species <strong>of</strong> permanently wet areas, such as ponds and lagoons created through irrigation<br />
run-<strong>of</strong>f and water treatment schemes.<br />
Photographs and line-drawings are a valuable means <strong>of</strong> checking <strong>the</strong> identity <strong>of</strong> plant species, so<br />
in addition to providing a selection <strong>of</strong> our own photographs in this checklist, we have also carefully<br />
referenced published photographs and illustrations from <strong>the</strong> floras and o<strong>the</strong>r guides covering <strong>the</strong><br />
Gulf region. In addition to those mentioned above, <strong>the</strong>se comprise Western (1989) and <strong>the</strong> two most<br />
recent publications covering <strong>the</strong> Sultanate <strong>of</strong> Oman (Ghazanfar 2003, Pickering & Patzelt 2008),<br />
which contain a small but useful selection <strong>of</strong> plants found in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> time spent compiling <strong>the</strong> checklist was taken up with checking taxonomy and recent<br />
changes to nomenclature. Names <strong>of</strong> plants unfortunately change constantly as new information<br />
from field-work or herbarium research is published, particularly now that DNA studies are widely<br />
carried out. We have tried to use <strong>the</strong> most up to date name available, if we believe <strong>the</strong> change has<br />
been or will be accepted by <strong>the</strong> scientific community. In some cases <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> a scientific name <strong>of</strong><br />
a plant species comes down to personal choice. Therefore we have largely followed Miller & Cope<br />
(1996), Cope (2007), Jongbloed et al. (2003) and Boulos (1999-2005); but have also made use <strong>of</strong><br />
internet resources such as ePIC (electronic Plant Information Centre administered by <strong>the</strong> Royal<br />
Botanic Gardens, Kew), IPNI (International Plant Names Index), GRIN (Germplasm Resources<br />
Information Network, United States Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture) and for Asteraceae and some<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r plants <strong>the</strong> Euro+Med PlantBase. Commonly-used synonyms have been given for each species<br />
where relevant and any taxonomic uncertainties have been noted in <strong>the</strong> species accounts.<br />
Arabic names have been compiled from first-hand knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> authors, partially supplemented<br />
by literature searches. Names have been listed where well known in <strong>Qatar</strong> or in widespread use in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Gulf or o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arab-speaking world. Most <strong>the</strong> publications listed above also have<br />
useful lists <strong>of</strong> Arabic names, but Mandaville (1990) is recommended as he gives <strong>the</strong> sources <strong>of</strong> most<br />
<strong>of</strong> his names and provides a comprehensive Arabic index.<br />
Overview <strong>of</strong> Habitats and Vegetation<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> is largely an arid, desert area with a hot, sunny climate, receiving minimal rainfall, which is<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten sporadic in occurrence. Fogs occur in winter and spring and contribute a more regular source<br />
<strong>of</strong> water to <strong>the</strong> flora. The majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> land surface consists <strong>of</strong> flat to gently undulating calcareous<br />
rocks, with sand formations occurring in <strong>the</strong> south-east. The country is largely low-lying, but <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are some small jebels in <strong>the</strong> south (rising to just over 100 metres at <strong>the</strong> highest point) and a rocky<br />
Miocene ridge extending from Dukhan to near <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn border on <strong>the</strong> west coast. Away from<br />
<strong>the</strong> deeper sand areas, <strong>the</strong> soils are generally shallow, consisting <strong>of</strong> sands, silts and gravels, but <strong>the</strong><br />
north <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country also supports numerous natural depressions known as ‘rodat’, <strong>of</strong> various sizes,<br />
many <strong>of</strong> which have much deeper, richer soils, and have <strong>the</strong>refore been converted to farmland to<br />
grow crops. The reader is recommended to refer to Batanouny (1983) and Abulfatih et al. (2001)<br />
for fur<strong>the</strong>r information on geology, soils and climate.<br />
From a plant ecologist’s point <strong>of</strong> view <strong>the</strong> main edaphic (soil) factors affecting choice <strong>of</strong> habitat<br />
<strong>of</strong> desert species in areas such as <strong>the</strong> Gulf are <strong>the</strong> degree <strong>of</strong> retention <strong>of</strong> soil moisture, <strong>the</strong> level<br />
vi vii
<strong>of</strong> salinity, soil particle size and <strong>the</strong> degree <strong>of</strong> soil compaction. These are <strong>of</strong>ten inter-related. The<br />
mineral and nutrient content <strong>of</strong> soils may be important secondary factors affecting plant growth<br />
in some areas. Thus, <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> can usually be placed into one <strong>of</strong> five main habitat groups:<br />
(a) strongly ‘xerophytic’ species <strong>of</strong> rock and gravel deserts where soil depth is limited and<br />
conditions are very dry;<br />
(b) ‘halophytic’ species tolerant <strong>of</strong> saline areas, such as saltmarshes, coastal sands, sabkha edge<br />
and inland oolitic sands;<br />
(c) species that grow in natural silt and sand depressions where water retention is higher than<br />
for (a);<br />
(d) species adapted to grow in deeper sand, where water is available under <strong>the</strong> surface;<br />
(e) species associated with man-made and man-influenced sites, particularly those receiving<br />
artificial irrigation, such as roadsides, farms, gardens and sewage ponds.<br />
Species that are more catholic in <strong>the</strong>ir requirements may be found in more than one group.<br />
<strong>An</strong>nual species mainly fall in groups (a), (c) and (e) and can grow in almost any situation or soil<br />
type, provided <strong>the</strong>re is at least a shallow surface covering <strong>of</strong> sand or silt. Group (e) includes many<br />
naturalised species that are weeds <strong>of</strong> cultivation. However, a number <strong>of</strong> true desert species also grow<br />
in irrigated habitats; <strong>of</strong>ten more luxuriantly due to <strong>the</strong> increased supply <strong>of</strong> water. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se are<br />
adapted to spread quickly in times <strong>of</strong> good rainfall.<br />
The main habitat types and associated vegetation in <strong>Qatar</strong> can be summarised as follows:<br />
Dunes and deep sand areas are strongly undulating or form chains <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> familiar crescentshaped<br />
‘barchan’ dunes; <strong>the</strong>y occur mainly in <strong>the</strong> south and south-east and are moderately saline,<br />
characteristically supporting <strong>the</strong> mound-forming shrub Seidlitzia rosmarinus.<br />
Sand sheets are shallower areas <strong>of</strong> sand forming flat or gently undulating terrain; <strong>the</strong>y may be<br />
stabilised and firm, or sometimes quite s<strong>of</strong>t. They occur mainly in <strong>the</strong> south-west and are <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
dominated by sand-binding grasses, especially Panicum turgidum, or locally by <strong>the</strong> shrum Haloxylon<br />
salicornicum.<br />
White sand <strong>of</strong> marine origin occurs inland in SW <strong>Qatar</strong>. It is moderately saline and supports a<br />
distinctive vegetation dominated by Cyperus conglomeratus and Tetraena qatarensis. Agriophyllum minus<br />
is a distinctive associate.<br />
Coastal sand on beaches is usually coarse-textured and calcareous due to abundant shell fragments.<br />
It is <strong>of</strong>ten grey, or sometimes pinkish in hue. Halophytic shrubs such as Cornulaca spp. usually<br />
dominate, but <strong>the</strong> habitat <strong>of</strong>ten supports diverse mixed grass and shrub vegetation. Naturalised<br />
date palms (Phoenix dactylifera) occur in this habitat at Umm Bab.<br />
Wadis and runnels are linear features formed in <strong>the</strong> landscape, which may flow with water during<br />
times <strong>of</strong> heavy rainfall. In <strong>Qatar</strong> <strong>the</strong>y are generally not well defined in terms <strong>of</strong> depth or gradient, but<br />
are characterised by linear or oval patches <strong>of</strong> accumulated sand, <strong>of</strong>ten within o<strong>the</strong>rwise featureless<br />
hamada or gravel desert areas. They support distinctive types <strong>of</strong> vegetation, composed <strong>of</strong> certain<br />
grasses, perennial and annual herbs and also <strong>of</strong>ten support stands <strong>of</strong> Lycium shawii. The lily Dipcadi<br />
erythraeum is especially characteristic <strong>of</strong> small sandy runnels.<br />
Sand and silt pans and larger natural depressions (‘rodat’) support moderately compact to<br />
very compact soils composed <strong>of</strong> fine sand, silt or loam. They <strong>of</strong>ten become flooded during rains<br />
and may retain moisture for some time afterwards. Soils <strong>of</strong>ten have higher quantity <strong>of</strong> organic<br />
matter than o<strong>the</strong>r desert areas. They are usually characterised by stands <strong>of</strong> trees and shrubs<br />
comprising Acacia spp., Prosopis juliflora, Ziziphus nummularia and Lycium shawii; and are <strong>of</strong>ten rich<br />
in annual and perennial herbs and grasses. Characteristic species <strong>of</strong> silt pans include Cymbopogon<br />
commutatus, Pulicaria undulata, <strong>An</strong>drachne telephioides, Astragalus eremophilus, Althaea ludwigii and<br />
Corchorus depressus. In <strong>the</strong> south, depressions are mostly small, circular features a few metres to a<br />
few hundred metres across, but in <strong>the</strong> north and central parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> <strong>the</strong>y may be irregular or<br />
more linear in shape and can reach 2-3 kilometres in length. These larger rodat have <strong>of</strong>ten been<br />
converted to farmland and are irrigated and cultivated to grow crops. For fur<strong>the</strong>r information see<br />
Batanouny (1981) and Babikir (1986).<br />
‘Sabkha’ refers to usually low-lying areas <strong>of</strong> sandy desert which have been inundated by seawater<br />
or rainwater that has dried out leaving a salt-encrusted surface. They occur mainly on or near <strong>the</strong><br />
coast in <strong>Qatar</strong>, with larger ones occurring east <strong>of</strong> Dukhan and at Mesaieed. Most are too salty to<br />
support any vegetation, but many have a marginal zone (referred to as ‘sabkha edge’) that is <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
dominated by halophytic species such as Limonium axillare, Salsola spp. or Tetraena qatarensis. Native<br />
species <strong>of</strong> Tamarix may also occur.<br />
Saltmarsh occurs in coastal bays and creeks, <strong>of</strong>ten in muddy areas, and is locally dominated by<br />
mangrove Avicennia marina, with dense stands <strong>of</strong> Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and o<strong>the</strong>r halophytes.<br />
Gypsum desert occurs in <strong>the</strong> west and north-west, particularly in <strong>the</strong> Dukhan area. Soils are<br />
composed <strong>of</strong> a high proportion <strong>of</strong> calcium carbonate and are strongly calcareous. They vary from<br />
s<strong>of</strong>t to moderately compact and are also mixed with sand and silt in places. They support a variety<br />
<strong>of</strong> vegetation types that also occur in o<strong>the</strong>r sandy and gravelly habitats, but a few species such as<br />
Helian<strong>the</strong>mum kahiricum and Erodium glaucophyllum are particularly characteristic.<br />
Gravel plain is used to describe flat desert areas with a surface layer <strong>of</strong> gravel or stones. Several<br />
variations <strong>of</strong> this habitat occur in <strong>Qatar</strong>, with soils varying from s<strong>of</strong>t to compact and fine to coarsetextured.<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se are characterised by relatively poor cover <strong>of</strong> vegetation, <strong>of</strong>ten <strong>of</strong> lowgrowing<br />
or stunted perennial herbs, grasses and shrubs. Typical species include Helian<strong>the</strong>mum lippii,<br />
Polycarpaea repens and Stipagrostis spp.<br />
‘Hamada’ is flat or gently undulating desert with stones and rocks on <strong>the</strong> surface or embedded in<br />
<strong>the</strong> surface, usually with compact soils and only small quantities <strong>of</strong> wind-blown sand and silt on <strong>the</strong><br />
surface. In <strong>Qatar</strong> this habitat is formed from <strong>the</strong> limestone bedrock and is a feature <strong>of</strong> large areas<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> interior <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. The vegetation is usually dominated by Lycium shawii and Tetraena<br />
qatarensis, with <strong>the</strong> annual grass Stipa capensis turning <strong>the</strong> landscape green after winter rains.<br />
Rock outcrops occur in <strong>the</strong> west and south-west <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country and occasionally elsewhere. The<br />
summits are <strong>of</strong>ten ra<strong>the</strong>r bare <strong>of</strong> vegetation due to <strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> soil particles for growth, but <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
sides accumulate pockets <strong>of</strong> wind-blown sand and can be quite rich in vegetation. After winter rains<br />
<strong>the</strong> low-growing annual Sclerocephalus arabicus may be locally abundant.<br />
Cultivated and irrigated soils are damp periodically or all year round and <strong>of</strong>ten have higher levels<br />
<strong>of</strong> organic matter and nutrients. Some may be moderately saline. Depending on <strong>the</strong> purpose for<br />
which <strong>the</strong>y are used <strong>the</strong>y can support various kinds <strong>of</strong> vegetation, <strong>of</strong>ten <strong>of</strong> non-native, naturalised<br />
species.<br />
Wetland areas include pools and channels that take waste water from irrigation and water treatment<br />
schemes and remain wet or waterlogged all year round. Such sites usually support dense reedbeds<br />
<strong>of</strong> Phragmites australis around <strong>the</strong> margins, <strong>of</strong>ten mixed in with Tamarix. O<strong>the</strong>r tall emergent plants<br />
sometimes occur. The edge zones <strong>of</strong>ten support lower-growing wetland grasses such as Polypogon<br />
monspeliensis and Aeluropus lagopoides. <strong>An</strong> extensive lake system to <strong>the</strong> west <strong>of</strong> Doha has been formed<br />
in recent years from waste water sources.<br />
viii ix
Notes on Layout and Terminology<br />
Abbreviations Used in <strong>the</strong> Text<br />
To make this checklist easy to read and understand, abbreviations and codes have not been used,<br />
except to denote approximate geographical areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>. The country can be roughly divided<br />
into equal thirds: north (N), central (C) and east (E), with <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn and sou<strong>the</strong>rn parts each also<br />
conveniently divided into NW and NE, SW and SE. This appears to be <strong>the</strong> system used by earlier<br />
authors. Main localities are shown on <strong>the</strong> map (p. xiv).<br />
Shortened author names are used in <strong>the</strong> lists <strong>of</strong> photographs and illustrations (see below). Initials<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> present authors (BB, SAM, JN, MS & RR) are used in <strong>the</strong> text when attributing plant records.<br />
Square brackets around a species name indicates that <strong>the</strong>re is a strong possibility it was misidentified<br />
by previous authors and has not occurred in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Order <strong>of</strong> Species<br />
The checklist is arranged in <strong>the</strong> traditional order <strong>of</strong> ferns (Pteridophyta), cone-bearing flowering<br />
plants (Gymnospermae), ‘double seed-leaved’ flowering plants (Dicotyledoneae) and ‘single seedleaved’<br />
flowering plants (Monocotyledoneae). Families and species are arranged in alphabetical<br />
order within <strong>the</strong>se. Only a single fern (Ophioglossum polyphyllum) and gymnosperm (Ephedra foliata)<br />
are presently known to occur in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Family Names<br />
Family names are mostly those recommended by <strong>the</strong> <strong>An</strong>giosperm Phylogeny Group (2003), with<br />
<strong>the</strong> modern names being used for Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs (now less <strong>of</strong>ten referred to as Umbelliferae, Compositae, Cruciferae, Leguminosae and<br />
Labiatae). Tradition has been upheld by recognising Capparaceae, but including it within it those<br />
species <strong>of</strong>ten separated into <strong>the</strong> Cleomaceae.<br />
Scientific Names<br />
The currently accepted scientific name <strong>of</strong> each species is given in bold type, with <strong>the</strong> author citation<br />
in standard format. Synonyms in common or recent use are given in italics with <strong>the</strong>ir authors below<br />
<strong>the</strong> species entry.<br />
Vernacular Names<br />
Vernacular (or common) names in English are listed only for widely occurring and familiar species<br />
or genera. Some authors <strong>of</strong> regional floras have invented <strong>the</strong>ir own English names, but this practice<br />
serves no scientific use and can lead to confusion, so for a large number <strong>of</strong> species no English<br />
vernacular name has been given. In some cases <strong>the</strong> names given are local to <strong>the</strong> place <strong>of</strong> origin,<br />
but have become more widely used (e.g. some Indian names <strong>of</strong> species naturalised in <strong>the</strong> Gulf).<br />
The Arabic vernacular names are shown in Arabic script and as English transliterations. Words <strong>of</strong><br />
similar root but pronounced differently are separated by a slash symbol (/). This usually reflects a<br />
slightly different dialect or different derivations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same word, but not all variations have been<br />
given. Single or double uppercase letters in <strong>the</strong> transliterations are used to denote <strong>the</strong> emphatic<br />
consonants. The Arabic letter ’ain has usually been denoted by a single apostrophe, and <strong>the</strong> letter qaf<br />
by <strong>the</strong> English ‘q’, even though <strong>of</strong>ten pronounced as a hard ‘g’ in <strong>the</strong> Gulf and usually spelt as such.<br />
Growth Form & Flowering Period<br />
The species’ growth form or habit, and height is summarised using general terms (see Box 2).<br />
The likely flowering period in <strong>Qatar</strong> is shown as abbreviated month ranges, e.g. ‘Feb–Mar’, or ‘all<br />
year’ for species that may flower at any time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year. It should be borne in mind that flowering<br />
periods may be variable for many species, as <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>of</strong>ten determined by <strong>the</strong> timing <strong>of</strong> winter or<br />
spring rains.<br />
Status<br />
Each species is stated as being ei<strong>the</strong>r native (occurring in <strong>Qatar</strong> within part <strong>of</strong> its natural range) or<br />
introduced (occurring as a result <strong>of</strong> human action). A preceding question mark [?] indicates that <strong>the</strong><br />
status is uncertain. What has been termed here as <strong>the</strong> ‘rarity status’ or overall occurrence <strong>of</strong> species<br />
in <strong>Qatar</strong> is categorised as ‘very common’, ‘common’, ‘local’ or ‘rare’ (see Box 1). This provides<br />
a broad assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> frequency <strong>of</strong> species, regardless <strong>of</strong> habitat type or local abundance.<br />
These classifications could be used as an initial stage in selecting species <strong>of</strong> conservation priority;<br />
for example those native species that are <strong>of</strong> local or rare occurrence. A preceding question mark<br />
indicates that <strong>the</strong> rarity status is uncertain, but for a small number <strong>of</strong> planted or introduced species<br />
<strong>the</strong> occurrence is unknown and this category has been omitted.<br />
For species not recorded by Batanouny or El Amin, a source for <strong>the</strong> first published record is given, or<br />
where published for <strong>the</strong> first time in this checklist, details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> record are given, with <strong>the</strong> author’s<br />
name or initials. Specimens <strong>of</strong> most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se species have been retained by JN and identification<br />
confirmed by E. Clement; <strong>the</strong>y will deposited at Kew herbarium in due course.<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> has no endemic species, but mention is made <strong>of</strong> a few ‘near-endemics’, for example species<br />
with distributions restricted to parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf. A list <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf countries in which <strong>the</strong> species<br />
has been recorded is given at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> status section in alphabetical order. Oman has been<br />
excluded from <strong>the</strong>se lists as most <strong>of</strong> it lies outside <strong>the</strong> Arabian Gulf area. For Saudi Arabia only<br />
species included in Mandaville (1990) are noted, in addition to a few additional ones mapped by<br />
Miller & Cope (1996) and Cope (2007), though <strong>the</strong>se sources were not exhaustively checked.<br />
Abundance, Habitat & Distribution<br />
The local abundance, habitat preferences and distribution over <strong>Qatar</strong> are summarised in this<br />
section. Local or ‘relative’ abundance is <strong>the</strong> frequency and abundance <strong>of</strong> species relative to <strong>the</strong><br />
area or habitat in which <strong>the</strong>y are growing (see Box 3). Information on habitat preferences and<br />
distribution has usually been combined, ra<strong>the</strong>r than listing separately, since in many cases <strong>the</strong>se are<br />
inter-related. General information on habitats is given in <strong>the</strong> Introduction. Distribution is given in<br />
terms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main geographical areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> as described above or by reference to more specific<br />
localities or areas. Localities are mentioned mainly for <strong>the</strong> more localised and rare species, where<br />
necessary repeating details given by previous authors. Most are included on <strong>the</strong> map (page xiv).<br />
Box 1. Categories used to summarise occurrence in <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
very common Species distributed over most parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country and occurring in most<br />
habitat types.<br />
common Species with a wide range, but may be absent from some geographical<br />
areas or from certain types <strong>of</strong> habitat.<br />
local Species <strong>of</strong> scattered distribution, i.e. occurring only in a small number <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>ten widely spaced sites. Invariably this will apply to species dependent<br />
on certain types <strong>of</strong> habitat or habitat conditions which <strong>the</strong>mselves are<br />
localised.<br />
rare Species <strong>of</strong> very limited distribution in <strong>Qatar</strong>; usually restricted to about<br />
five or fewer localities (based on published information and current<br />
knowledge).<br />
x xi
Box 2. Main terms used to describe growth form and habit<br />
tree Long-lived, woody plant with clearly defined trunk; growing to 3 m or<br />
more in height, but <strong>of</strong>ten shorter if browsed by livestock.<br />
shrub/small shrub Long-lived woody plant usually without clearly defined trunk; usually<br />
attaining a height <strong>of</strong> 0.3–3 m; ‘small shrub’ has been used to refer to<br />
shrubs that do not usually exceed 60 cm in height.<br />
shrublet Perennial plants with <strong>the</strong> appearance <strong>of</strong> herbs, but with tough, woody<br />
lower stems; usually less than 30 cm in height, but <strong>of</strong>ten much shorter<br />
(may be spreading over <strong>the</strong> ground).<br />
annual herb Herbaceous, i.e. non-woody, plants usually completing a life cycle <strong>of</strong><br />
germination to seed production within a 12-month period. In desert<br />
conditions annual herbs rarely grow taller than 30 cm and are usually<br />
much shorter.<br />
biennial/perennial herb Herbaceous plants (o<strong>the</strong>r than grasses, rushes and sedges) living longer<br />
than a year. Biennial herbs normally complete a life cycle in two years;<br />
‘tall herb’ is sometimes used to refer to herbs normally exceeding 1 m in<br />
height.<br />
annual/perennial grass Grasses are members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Poaceae family. These share <strong>the</strong> characteristics<br />
<strong>of</strong> having usually hollow stems with simple linear flat or rolled leaves and<br />
specialised flowers without coloured petals.<br />
sedge Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cyperaceae family. Like grasses <strong>the</strong>y have specialised and<br />
distinctive flowering structures, but mostly have solid stems.<br />
rush Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Juncaceae family (one species in <strong>Qatar</strong>).<br />
climber Plants but which rely on o<strong>the</strong>r plants for support. They <strong>of</strong>ten take <strong>the</strong> form<br />
<strong>of</strong> long stems winding around <strong>the</strong> stems <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r plants in spiral fashion.<br />
parasitic plant Plants lacking chlorophyll, and <strong>the</strong>refore having now green parts; usually<br />
growing on and obtaining nutrients from roots or stems <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r plants.<br />
Box 3. Terms used to describe local abundance<br />
dominant Species forming <strong>the</strong> greatest proportion <strong>of</strong> biomass <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vegetation <strong>of</strong> a<br />
localised area or habitat and usually also <strong>the</strong> highest percentage cover <strong>of</strong><br />
all species present. Such species are <strong>of</strong>ten used to define vegetation types.<br />
The term is not used here to refer to <strong>the</strong> most numerous or highest cover<br />
species in sparse desert vegetation, as this can be misleading.<br />
abundant Species that are very numerous over an area or habitat and are <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
characteristic <strong>of</strong> it, usually contributing a high proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plant<br />
biomass and/or vegetation cover.<br />
frequent Species that are numerous in a particular area or habitat type and <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
characteristic <strong>of</strong> it, though not normally contributing a high proportion<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> total biomass or vegetation cover.<br />
occasional Species occurring at low frequency wherever <strong>the</strong>y occur, contributing very<br />
little to <strong>the</strong> total biomass <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vegetation or to <strong>the</strong> cover.<br />
Uses<br />
This section summarises <strong>the</strong> main cultural and economic uses <strong>of</strong> plants, ei<strong>the</strong>r recorded historically<br />
and traditionally or during <strong>the</strong> present-day, though <strong>the</strong> sources consulted <strong>of</strong>ten do not make a<br />
clear distinction between past and present. Mention is also made <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main desert species <strong>of</strong><br />
importance for grazing and browsing animals, i.e. camels, sheep and goats (now ubiquitous over<br />
<strong>the</strong> Gulf and representing <strong>the</strong> biggest threat to <strong>the</strong> native flora). Poisonous species have also been<br />
highlighted in <strong>the</strong> accounts.<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> information on medicinal uses has been summarised from <strong>the</strong> earlier floras or from<br />
Ghazanfar (1994) and Rizk & El-Ghazaly (1995). These have been cited in <strong>the</strong> text but <strong>the</strong> dates<br />
have not been repeated to save space. Only <strong>the</strong> well known or general uses have been mentioned<br />
here, so <strong>the</strong>se publications should be consulted for more detailed information. A wealth <strong>of</strong> data<br />
is also available on <strong>the</strong> internet, due to <strong>the</strong> current widespread interest in herbal medicine. The<br />
authors <strong>of</strong> this checklist do not accept liability for any incorrect or misleading information given.<br />
Notes<br />
Additional taxonomic information and o<strong>the</strong>r notes are included here.<br />
Photographs and Illustrations (‘Photos’)<br />
This entry lists <strong>the</strong> page or plate numbers <strong>of</strong> photographs and o<strong>the</strong>r illustrations published in<br />
<strong>the</strong> floras covering <strong>the</strong> Gulf region. Line drawings and coloured illustrations are indicated by a<br />
superscript ‘L’ after <strong>the</strong> number. Line drawings in Miller & Cope (1996) and Cope (2007) have not<br />
been included. The publications have been referred to using abbreviated authors’ names as follows:<br />
El Amin El Amin, H.M (Arab Organization for Agricultural Development) (1983). Wild plants <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Bat Batanouny, K.H. (1981). Ecology and <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Coll Collenette, S. (1999). Wildflowers <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia.<br />
Corn Cornes, M.D. & Cornes, C.D. (1989). The wild flowering plants <strong>of</strong> Bahrain.<br />
Daoud Daoud, H.S. & Al-Rawi, A. (1985). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Kuwait. Volume 1: Dicotyledoneae.<br />
Ghaz Ghazanfar, S.A. (2003). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Oman, Volume 1, Piperaceae–Primulacaea. [CD with book]<br />
Jong Jongbloed, M. et al. (2003). The comprehensive guide to <strong>the</strong> wildflowers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Arab<br />
Emirates.<br />
Mand Mandaville, J.P. (1990). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Eastern Saudi Arabia.<br />
Phil Phillips, D.C. (1988). Wild flowers <strong>of</strong> Bahrain. A field guide to herbs, shrubs and trees.<br />
Pick Pickering, H. & Patzelt, A. (2008). Field guide to <strong>the</strong> wild plants <strong>of</strong> Oman.<br />
Shuaib Shuaib, L. (1995). Wild flowers <strong>of</strong> Kuwait.<br />
West Western, A.R. (1989). The flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Arab Emirates: an introduction.<br />
Although not referenced here, Sheila Collenette’s earlier book, <strong>An</strong> illustrated guide to <strong>the</strong> flowers <strong>of</strong><br />
Saudi Arabia (Collenette 1985), is also a valuable resource, as it contains a different selection <strong>of</strong><br />
photographs to those shown in her later publication (Collenette 1990). Plate numbers for species<br />
illustrated in this checklist are given to <strong>the</strong> right <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> scientific name.<br />
xii xiii
Map <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
Map <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, showing main roads and principal localities mentioned in <strong>the</strong> text.<br />
Coordinates are shown in <strong>Qatar</strong> National Grid.<br />
PTERIDOPHyTA<br />
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE<br />
Ophioglossum polyphyllum A. Braun Plate 3<br />
Vernacular names: adder’s-tongue fern<br />
Growth form: Fern. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Local. First published record: Abdel Bari (1995); see also Abdel Bari (1997). Also<br />
recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional, N and S <strong>Qatar</strong>, sandy areas.<br />
uses: Used to be eaten as salad greens (Jongbloed et al.).<br />
Photos: Coll 629; Jong 7.<br />
GyMNOSPERMAE<br />
EPHEDRACEAE<br />
Ephedra foliata Boiss.<br />
Ephedra ciliata Fischer & C.A. Mey.; Ephedra peduncularis Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: shrubby horsetail, ’alanda<br />
ةدنلع<br />
Growth form: Climber. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy depressions, with Ziziphus or Acacia, N and C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Batanouny mentions that protruding branches are usually ‘trimmed’ by camels. ‘Certain<br />
plants <strong>of</strong> this genus yield ephedrine, used in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> colds, asthma and hay fever’ (Cornes<br />
& Cornes). ‘The crushed boiled plant is used for tanning’ (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Bat 17; Coll 297; Corn 50; Jong 9; Phil 87; West 30.<br />
ANGIOSPERMAE: DICOTyLEDONEAE<br />
ACANTHACEAE<br />
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE / EPHEDRACEAE / ACANTHACEAE<br />
Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. Plates 1, 4<br />
Avicennia <strong>of</strong>ficinalis L.<br />
ةروش ,مرق<br />
Vernacular names: dwarf mangrove, qurm, shourah<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Sheltered bays and creeks, <strong>of</strong>ten along <strong>the</strong> tide line; usually dominant<br />
where it occurs. Main surviving areas are at Umm Tais, Ras Laffan, Al Dhakhira, Al Khor, all in NE<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> and Al Wakra. Abulfatih et al. report finding a stunted specimen in a muddy inlet on <strong>the</strong> W<br />
coast and suggested <strong>the</strong> conditions were too saline <strong>the</strong>re. A Government programme to restore<br />
mangrove vegetation has been in place since 1988, with successful work being carried out at Ras<br />
Laffan, but recently a large area has been cleared at Al Wakra and some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> area at Al Khor has<br />
also been destroyed. Areas at Umm Tais and Al Dhakhira are protected as natural reserves.<br />
uses: Probably not very palatable to animals. ‘Sometimes browsed by camels when o<strong>the</strong>r plants are<br />
not available’ (Mandaville). ‘White mangrove is a source <strong>of</strong> tannin’ (Cornes & Cornes). The bark,<br />
roots and seeds have various medicinal uses.<br />
Photos: El Amin 2; Coll 745; Corn 36, 196; Jong 196, 197; Mand 174; Phil 28, 29; Pick 225; West 125.<br />
xiv 1
ACANTHACEAE / AIZOACEAE<br />
Blepharis ciliaris (L.) B.L. Burtt Plate 2<br />
Blepharis edulis auct.<br />
Vernacular names: eyelash plant, shawk al-Dub, naqi’, niqeyl<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
ليقن ,يقن ,بضلا كوش<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional, on compact stony and gravelly soils; mainly in C <strong>Qatar</strong>; rare in<br />
<strong>the</strong> west. El Amin recorded along <strong>the</strong> road from Al Sheehaniyah (where it still common) to Dukhan;<br />
it also occurs along <strong>the</strong> road to Al Zubarah (RR).<br />
uses: Grazed by camels but not by sheep or goats (El Amin). The roots are ground to make a<br />
powder (kohl) and used to treat eye inflammation and cataracts. The seeds have healing and antiinflammatory<br />
properties (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Bat 93; Coll 5; Jong 106; Mand 196; Pick 15; West 135.<br />
AIZOACEAE<br />
Aizoon canariense L. Plate 6<br />
قدح ,ةنفج<br />
Vernacular names: jafnah, hadaq<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE. habitat &<br />
distribution: Frequent; usually on harder substrates with shallow deposits <strong>of</strong> sand. uses: Eaten by<br />
camels; leaves are eaten in salads.<br />
Photos: El Amin 1; Bat 19; Coll 12; Corn 5, 53; Daoud 151; Jong 109; Mand 14; Phil 59, 60; Pick 91; Shuaib<br />
86; West 35.<br />
Aizoon hispanicum L.<br />
Vernacular names: jafnah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Coarse gravels, sandy depressions and runnels; C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 12; Corn 53; Daoud 149, 150; Mand 15; Shuaib 87.<br />
Mesembryan<strong>the</strong>mum cryptanthum Hook. f. Plate 5<br />
Mesembryan<strong>the</strong>mum forskahlii Hochst. ex Boiss.; Opophytum forskahlii (Hochst. ex Boiss.) N.E. Br.<br />
لوساغ ,حمس<br />
Vernacular names: samH, ghasool<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Noted in two places in western <strong>Qatar</strong>, 2007 (JN), including one site on<br />
<strong>the</strong> outskirts <strong>of</strong> Dukhan township and ano<strong>the</strong>r south <strong>of</strong> Umm Bab; both on compact, calcareous<br />
soils. Also Al Khor island (RR). Batanouny cited a record by Boulos (1978).<br />
uses: Ground seeds are used in making bread and o<strong>the</strong>r foodstuffs.<br />
Photos: Coll 13; Corn 54; Mand 16; Phil 61.<br />
Mesembryan<strong>the</strong>mum nodiflorum L. Plate 7<br />
Cryophytum nodiflorum (L.) L. Bolus<br />
لوساغ ,حمس ,رح<br />
Vernacular names: Egyptian fig marigold, hurr, samH, ghasool<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
ةنفج<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in dried out saline areas, such as <strong>the</strong> edges <strong>of</strong> irrigated fields<br />
and along beaches, on compacted sand or o<strong>the</strong>r soils; mainly NE <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 13; Corn 54; Daoud 152, 153; Jong 110; Phil 62; Shuaib 87.<br />
Zaleya pentandra (L.) C. Jeffrey<br />
Trian<strong>the</strong>ma pentandra L.<br />
Vernacular names: lami<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or perennial herb. Fl. Dec–Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> waste ground.<br />
Photos: Jong 113; West 36.<br />
AMARANTHACEAE<br />
Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult.<br />
Aerva persica (Burm. f.) Merr.; Aerva tomentosa Forssk.<br />
Vernacular names: tuwaim, Tirf, ra’<br />
ءار ,فرط ,ميوت<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent on rocky substrates with shallow sand, or in silty<br />
and sandy depressions.<br />
uses: Several authors note that <strong>the</strong> flower heads were formerly used by <strong>the</strong> bedouin for stuffing<br />
saddles, pillows and cushions. Used as a remedy for toothache and dermatitis, and an infusion<br />
is used to reduce swelling (Rizk & El-Ghazaly). Flowers are used as a wound dressing and to stop<br />
bleeding; liquid from <strong>the</strong> roots is used to treat eye diseases in cattle in Saudi Arabia (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 3; Bat 31; Coll 33; Corn 58; Ghaz 54; Jong 115; Mand 52; Phil 26, 27; Pick 149; West 53, 54.<br />
Amaranthus graecizans L.<br />
Vernacular names: quTayf, sindar<br />
ردنس ,فيطق<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in cultivated and disturbed areas, including farms and gardens.<br />
uses: Leaves are used as an emollient; crushed leaves are applied to scorpion stings, snake bites,<br />
irritating or itchy rashes (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: Bat 32; Coll 35; Corn 61; Jong 118; Pick 200; West 54.<br />
Amaranthus hybridus L.<br />
Amaranthus chlorostachys Willd.<br />
Vernacular names: rowaf<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> cultivated fields and gardens.<br />
Photos: Bat 32; Coll 35; Jong 119.<br />
AIZOACEAE / AMARANTHACEAE<br />
2 3<br />
يملا<br />
فاور
AMARANTHACEAE / APIACEAE<br />
Amaranthus viridis L.<br />
Amaranthus gracilis Desf.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in cultivated and disturbed areas, including farms and gardens.<br />
uses: Used in <strong>the</strong> treatment in a wide variety <strong>of</strong> stomach complaints and as a laxative (Rizk & El-<br />
Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 1; Bat 32; Coll 37; Corn 61; Jong 120.<br />
APIACEAE<br />
Ammi majus L.<br />
Vernacular names: Bishop’s weed, khillah, nayniya<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: Kuwait, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Cultivated areas.<br />
ةينين ,ةلخ<br />
uses: Used in <strong>the</strong> Middle East for centuries as a treatment for particular skin diseases (Rizk & El-<br />
Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 722; Jong 531; Pick 151; Shuaib 59; West 106.<br />
<strong>An</strong>ethum graveolens L.<br />
Vernacular names: dill<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Cultivated areas.<br />
uses: Leaves and seeds used as salad, also used as a herb and spice in cooking for its aniseed-like<br />
flavouring, e.g. to flavour rice dishes. Numerous medicinal uses are described by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Bat 75; Coll 722; Jong 532; West 106.<br />
Bupleurum semicompositum L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Very rare on sandy soils (Batanouny). Mainly a coastal species in <strong>the</strong> Gulf.<br />
Photos: Coll 724; Daoud 172 L ; Shuaib 58.<br />
Foeniculum vulgare (L.) Mill.<br />
Vernacular names: fennel, shamar<br />
رمش<br />
Growth form: Biennial or perennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: <strong>An</strong> occasional escape, e.g. along irrigated roadsides.<br />
uses: Cultivated for its aniseed-flavoured seeds, which are widely used in Asian cooking. Numerous<br />
medicinal uses are described by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Coll 730.<br />
Torilis nodosa (L.) Gaertn.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Details not noted by Abdel Bari, but recorded from wadis and plantations<br />
in <strong>the</strong> UAE (Jongbloed).<br />
Photos: Jong 537.<br />
APOCYNACEAE<br />
Nerium oleander L.<br />
Nerium mascatense DC.<br />
Vernacular names: common oleander, Haban<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. All year.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Not known but widespread throughout <strong>the</strong> Gulf; native to parts <strong>of</strong> UAE<br />
and Oman.<br />
uses: Widely planted in towns for shade and landscaping. The bitter roots are used medicinally,<br />
including as a diuretic and emetic. Ghazanfar states that <strong>the</strong> leaves are used for <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong><br />
bronchitis and coughs in Arabia.<br />
Photos: Jong 125; Pick 47; West 110.<br />
ASCLEPIADACEAE<br />
APIACEAE / APOCyNACEAE / ASCLEPIADACEAE<br />
Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton Plate 8<br />
راخشأ ,راشع<br />
Vernacular names: Sodom’s apple, ’ushar, ashkhar<br />
Growth form: Shrub or tree. Fl. May–Jul.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: In <strong>Qatar</strong> mainly in disturbed areas where <strong>the</strong>re is run-<strong>of</strong>f <strong>of</strong> rainwater<br />
or irrigation, such as including farms, roadsides and gardens. Rarely away from habitation. Not<br />
included in <strong>the</strong> accounts by Batanouny or El Amin, but was probably less common in <strong>the</strong> past.<br />
uses: Not edible and probably poisonous. Mandaville discusses <strong>the</strong> toxicity in some detail. He also<br />
notes that it is ‘well known to many bedouin who remember <strong>the</strong> shrub as <strong>the</strong> source <strong>of</strong> wood used<br />
in preparation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best charcoal for <strong>the</strong> manufacture <strong>of</strong> black gunpowder’. Leaves and latex are<br />
used for treating wounds, pain, scorpion stings and for streng<strong>the</strong>ning muscles affected by paralysis<br />
(Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: Coll 52; Corn 37; Jong 128, 129; Phil 133; Pick 21; Shuaib 83; West 111.<br />
Glossonema varians (Stocks) Benth. ex Hook. f. Plates 9, 10<br />
Glossonema edule N.E. Br.<br />
)ةرمثلا( ةوارج ,)هتبنلا( رتع<br />
Vernacular names: ’itr (plant), jarawah (fruit)<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant, or locally dominant in shallow sandy runnels and<br />
depressions on gravel plains and hamada; mostly S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: ‘Whole plant is good fodder; fruit eaten by animals’ (El Amin); Mandaville also states that<br />
<strong>the</strong> very young leaves and raw young fruits are edible.<br />
Photos: El Amin 1; Bat 77 L ; Coll 65; Corn 162; Jong 132; Mand 155; Phil 134; Pick 94; West 112.<br />
4 5<br />
نابح
ASCLEPIADACEAE / ASTERACEAE<br />
Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne. Plate 11<br />
Vernacular names: burning bush, desert broom, markh<br />
خرم<br />
Growth form: Shrub or tree. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy habitats. Although a dominant component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
coastal vegetation over much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf, it prefers non-saline, fairly deep sand and <strong>the</strong>refore is<br />
restricted in <strong>Qatar</strong>, mainly to western coastal areas. In NE <strong>Qatar</strong> it is rare near <strong>the</strong> coast at Dukhan<br />
(JN) and locally frequent at Ras Abrouq (SAM); grazed, stunted specimens have been seen at Al<br />
Kharrarah (RR).<br />
uses: Eaten by camels (El Amin). Young flowers and fruits ‘considered edible by sou<strong>the</strong>rn tribesmen’<br />
(Mandaville). Pickering & Patzelt (2008) note that <strong>the</strong> buds are edible and that dried hair from<br />
<strong>the</strong> seeds is used as kindling. <strong>An</strong> infusion made from <strong>the</strong> stems is taken as a diuretic (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 1; Bat 78; Coll 70; Corn 165; Jong 133; Phil 132, 135; Pick 95; West 113.<br />
ASTERACEAE<br />
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi Warb. & Eig Plate 13<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional or locally frequent in small sandy or silty depressions; C and<br />
S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: ‘The plant is sometimes eaten raw by bedouin, who may also use it in <strong>the</strong> preparation <strong>of</strong> iqt<br />
(dried sour milk cakes)’ (Mandaville citing Dickson 1955).<br />
Photos: Bat 95; Coll 166; Mand 210, 211; Shuaib 111.<br />
Artemisia inculta Delile<br />
Artemisia sieberi Besser; Artemisia herba-alba Asso<br />
Vernacular names: shiH<br />
حيش<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. May.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny at a single location along <strong>the</strong> road N <strong>of</strong> Doha,<br />
in a small depression.<br />
uses: The plant is known to have anti-microbial properties and is used as an antiseptic and an<br />
insecticide. Rizk & Ghazaly list many medicinal uses, including treatment for stomach complaints,<br />
coughs, bronchitis and to cure nervous troubles.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Atractylis carduus (Forssk.) C. Chr. Plate 14<br />
Atractylis flava Desf.<br />
خيوش ,ينوميل ,ةولج<br />
Vernacular names: white thistle, jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy habitats. Previously recorded from Al Karaanah, Al<br />
Wakra and Wadi Al Banat and recently from Al Kharrarah and o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> W <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: El Amin reported that it is not liked by animals but eaten by camels when nothing else is<br />
available.<br />
Photos: El Amin 7; Bat 96; Coll 174; Corn 204; Jong 143; Phil 67; Shuaib 115.<br />
Calendula arvensis (Vaill.) L.<br />
Vernacular names: field marigold, Hanwa<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional as a weed <strong>of</strong> disturbed areas and silty depressions.<br />
Photos: El Amin 38 L ; Bat 97; Coll 175; Jong 144; Phil 68; Shuaib 107.<br />
Calendula tripterocarpa Rupr.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Sandy and gravelly soils in rodat; C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 175; Mand 214.<br />
Carthamnus eriocephalus (Boiss.) Greuter<br />
Carduncellus eriocephalus Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: kharshooT, lowmeya<br />
ةيمول ,طوشرخ<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in rocky areas. El Amin recorded from Jebel Dukhan and<br />
Wadi Al Banat.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Centaurea sinaica DC. Plate 15<br />
Centaurea pseudosinaica Mouterde, non Czerep.<br />
Vernacular names: birkan, murrar<br />
رارم ,ناكرب<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–Jul.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in shallow sandy deposits.<br />
Photos: El Amin 7; Bat 97, 101; Coll 178; Jong 148; Mand 224, 225; Pick 99; Shuaib 116; West 141.<br />
Cichorium pumilum Jacq.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Summer.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) fields (Batanouny).<br />
Photos: None.<br />
ASTERACEAE<br />
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.<br />
Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.<br />
Vernacular names: false daisy<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from a single location by Batanouny, but occurs in irrigated<br />
lawns and o<strong>the</strong>r damp places elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> Gulf, so may be more widespread now in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly list numerous cosmetic and medicinal uses.<br />
Photos: Coll 191; Corn 207; Jong 155; Mand 207; Pick 156; West 142.<br />
6 7<br />
ةونح
ASTERACEAE<br />
Erigeron bonariensis L.<br />
Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Sep.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional, in gardens and cultivated areas.<br />
uses: Flowering branches are used as an antirheumatic and diuretic; <strong>the</strong> aerial part is used in <strong>the</strong><br />
treatment <strong>of</strong> liver and urinary diseases, and stomach ulcers (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 7; Bat 97; Coll 182; Jong 151; Shuaib 108.<br />
Filago desertorum Pomel Plate 12<br />
Filago spathulata C. Presl forma desertorum (Pomel) Pamp.<br />
Vernacular names: quTeyna<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in shallow sand, especially depressions and runnels.<br />
uses: El Amin noted that <strong>the</strong> plant is eaten by ‘rabbits’ (i.e. Cape Hare Lepus capensis).<br />
Photos: El Amin 40 L ; Bat 98; Coll 192; Corn 208; Jong 156; Phil 69; West 143.<br />
[Filago prolifera Pomel]<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: First published record: Obeid (1975). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
notes: Not confirmed for <strong>Qatar</strong>. Batanouny and El Amin did not see this species, and it does<br />
not seem to have been recorded by o<strong>the</strong>r botanists in Arabia, so <strong>the</strong> record may be in error for F.<br />
desertorum.<br />
Photos: none.<br />
Flaveria trinervia (Spreng.) C. Mohr<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in irrigated, cultivated areas. Noted as a ‘serious weed’ in some<br />
regions by Cornes & Cornes.<br />
Photos: Coll 193; Corn 208; Jong 157; West 143.<br />
Glebionis coronaria (L.) Spach<br />
Chrysan<strong>the</strong>mum coronarium L.<br />
Vernacular names: crown daisy<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from irrigated lawns in Doha b Batanouny.<br />
uses: Medicinal uses are listed by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Coll 180.<br />
Gymnarrhena micrantha Desf. Plate 17<br />
Vernacular names: dog’s paw, camel’s eye<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
ةنيطق<br />
بلكلا فك<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional on gravel plains, stony or rocky areas, growing in thin sandy<br />
deposits.<br />
uses: Poisonous and animals avoid it (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 8; Coll 193; Jong 158; Mand 201; Shuaib 113.<br />
Ifloga spicata (Forssk.) Sch. Bip. Plate 18<br />
Vernacular names: Hasaj, shajarat al ’anz<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
زنعلا ةرجش ,جسح<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent, on gravel plains, sand sheets, coastal sand and o<strong>the</strong>r areas with<br />
firm sandy soils; over most <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 40 L ; Coll 196; Corn 215; Jong 160; Mand 200; Phil 70; Shuaib 114; West 145.<br />
Koelpinia linearis Pall. Plate 19<br />
Vernacular names: goat’s beard, lahiat al-tais<br />
سيتلا ةيهلا<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait,<br />
UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A plant in fruit was photographed by S. Aspinall from SW <strong>Qatar</strong> in March<br />
2007 (see Plate).<br />
Photos: Coll 197; Corn 215; Jong 163; Phil 71; Shuaib 112.<br />
Laphangium luteoalbum (L.) Tzvelev<br />
Gnaphalium luteoalbum L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Cultivated areas.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Launaea capitata (Spreng.) Dandy<br />
Launaea glomerata (Cass.) Hook. f.<br />
Vernacular names: Hawa/Huwa<br />
Growth form: Biennial herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in sandy and silty soils.<br />
uses: Edible to man and animals (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 8, 32 L ; Bat 100; Coll 200; Jong 165; Shuaib 109; West 145.<br />
Launaea goraeensis H<strong>of</strong>fm.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: ?Native. ?Rare. Not confirmed for <strong>Qatar</strong>. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Sandy soils in SE <strong>Qatar</strong> and Umm Bab (El Amin).<br />
Photos: None.<br />
ASTERACEAE<br />
8 9<br />
ةوح
ASTERACEAE<br />
Launaea mucronata (Forssk.) Muschl.<br />
Launaea cassiniana (Jaub. & Spach) Kuntze; Sonchus cassinianus Jaub. & Spach<br />
Vernacular names: Hawa/Huwa, ’a<strong>the</strong>ed, yamroor, Hajaid, Safara<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
ةرفص ,ديجح ,رورمي ,ديثع ,ةوح<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional on sandy or silty soils; <strong>of</strong>ten in disturbed areas around<br />
habitation. Occurs along parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> NE coast and in sandy habitats in <strong>the</strong> south (MS).<br />
notes: Subspp. L m. mucronata and L.m. cassiana both occur in <strong>the</strong> Gulf, <strong>the</strong> latter <strong>of</strong>ten being<br />
treated as a separate species.<br />
Photos: El Amin 32 L ; Coll 201; Jong 167, 168; Mand 232; Phil 73; Shuaib 109; West 146.<br />
Launaea nudicaulis (L.) Hook. f.<br />
Vernacular names: Hawa/Huwa, Huwa ghanam, ghazzal<br />
لازغ ,منغ ةوح ,ةوح<br />
Growth form: Biennial or perennial herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in sandy habitats.<br />
uses: ‘The leaves are used to treat fevers and to stop excessive bleeding after childbirth’ (Ghazanfar).<br />
Rizk & El-Ghazaly also state that <strong>the</strong>y are put on <strong>the</strong> heads <strong>of</strong> children to cure fever.<br />
Photos: El Amin 32 L ; Bat 102; Coll 202; Corn 216; Jong 169; Mand 233; Phil 74; Shuaib 110; West 147.<br />
Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Ramayya & Rojagopal<br />
Launaea fallax (Jaub. & Spach) O. Kuntze<br />
Vernacular names: Hawa/Huwa<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in sandy habitats, including rodat, beaches and disturbed areas<br />
around habitation.<br />
Photos: El Amin 32 L ; Bat 100; Coll 202; Jong 170; Phil 75; West 147.<br />
Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Sch. Bip.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Silty depressions.<br />
uses: Chamomile tea is brewed from flower heads, ‘known to both bedouin and villagers’<br />
(Mandaville) and is used for general stomach problems such as colic, cramps and stomach aches<br />
(Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: Coll 204; Jong 172.<br />
Matricaria chamomilla L.<br />
Matricaria recutita L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded at Al Sheehaniyah and Doha.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
ةوح<br />
Pallenis hierichuntica (Michon) Greuter<br />
Asteriscus hierichunticus (Michon) Wiklund; Asteriscus pygmaeus (DC.) Coss. & Durieu; Odontospermum<br />
pygmaeum (DC.) O. H<strong>of</strong>fm.<br />
Vernacular names: jahwayan<br />
نايوهج<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Silty depressions, N and C <strong>Qatar</strong> (El Amin).<br />
uses: El Amin mentions that it is used by locals to clean and perfume <strong>the</strong>ir teeth.<br />
Photos: El Amin 6; Bat 95; Coll 173; Jong 141; Mand 206; Shuaib 113.<br />
Pentanema divaricatum Cass.<br />
Vicoa pentanema Aitch. & Hemsl.<br />
Vernacular names: zmiem al bar<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
10 11<br />
ربلا ميمز<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy and silty depressions with Ziziphus trees. In Saudi<br />
Arabia Mandaville recorded it as a weed <strong>of</strong> disturbed ground around farms and roadsides.<br />
uses: The plant has antifungal and antibacterial properties.<br />
Photos: El Amin 40 L ; Bat 107; Jong 174; West 152.<br />
Picris aspleniodes L.<br />
Picris radicata (Forssk.) Less.<br />
Vernacular names: Hawdhan<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy depressions in S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 8; Bat 104; Coll 208.<br />
Picris cyanocarpa Boiss.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in saline sandy habitats.<br />
Photos: Coll 207.<br />
Pluchea dioscoridis (L.) DC.<br />
Conyza dioscoridis (L.) Desf.<br />
ASTERACEAE<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb or shrub. Fl. Jan–Dec.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded only once by Batanouny, but <strong>the</strong> species is now widespread<br />
(Abdel Bari 1997). Plentiful in Phragmites ponds at Dukhan water treatment works in 2007 (JN).<br />
notes: There is a discussion on <strong>the</strong> taxonomy <strong>of</strong> this species in Mandaville (1990, p. 289).<br />
Photos: Coll 209; Jong 177; Pick 54.<br />
ناذوح
ASTERACEAE<br />
Pulicaria gnaphalodes (Vent.) Boiss.<br />
Pulicaria undulata Kostel.<br />
Vernacular names: jithjath, nafayj<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb or small shrub. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain.<br />
جيفن ,ثاجثج<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional at Ras Laffan and Mesaieed (JN), but absent from <strong>the</strong> west<br />
coast. Also listed by Abdel Bari as ‘widespread’. Appears to prefer compact or disturbed gravelly or<br />
silty soils, particularly in depressions and wadis.<br />
uses: ‘A plant unpalatable to grazing animals and flourishing where o<strong>the</strong>rs are regularly grazed<br />
bare’ (Cornes & Cornes).<br />
notes: This is <strong>the</strong> species recorded by Batanouny as P. undulata, <strong>the</strong> name now given to Pulicaria<br />
crispa. At <strong>the</strong> time his flora was published P. crispa was known as Francoeuria crispa.<br />
Photos: El Amin 8; Bat 103; Corn 212; Phil 78.<br />
[Pulicaria sicula (L.) Moris]<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: First published record: Obeid (1975). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
notes: A North African species not recorded by o<strong>the</strong>r botanists in Arabia. Obeid’s record could<br />
relate to a casual occurrence <strong>of</strong> an introduced plant or be in error for ano<strong>the</strong>r species.<br />
Photos: none.<br />
Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A. Mey. Plate 16<br />
Francoeuria crispa (Forssk.) Cass.; Pulicaria crispa (Forssk.) Oliv. See note under P. gnaphalodes.<br />
لبجلا ياش ,ثاجثج<br />
Vernacular names: jithjath (and variations), shay el-jebel<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Jun.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Often abundant in small silty depressions. Scattered plants may occur<br />
anywhere in sandy or silty habitats.<br />
uses: Various authors report its use in traditional medicine, including use as a diuretic.<br />
Photos: Bat 99 L , 103; Coll 210; Corn 211; Jong 183; Phil 77; Shuaib 111; West 149.<br />
Reichardia tingitana (L.) Roth Plate 20<br />
Reichardia orientalis (L.) Hochr.<br />
ناذوح ,ريرم<br />
Vernacular names: mureer, Hawdhan<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in shallow sandy deposits, sandy depressions and cultivated<br />
areas.<br />
uses: Those listed by Ghazanfar include treatment <strong>of</strong> colic, constipation, swollen and inflamed<br />
eyes, using <strong>the</strong> leaves.<br />
Photos: El Amin 9, 38 L ; Coll 212; Corn 34, 220; Jong 184; Mand 234; Phil 79; Pick 107; Shuaib 107; West 149.<br />
Rhanterium epapposum Oliv. Plate 21<br />
Vernacular names: ’arfaj<br />
جفرع<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Mar–Jul.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Being a favoured grazing species is rarely seen in quantity. Frequent in <strong>the</strong><br />
western part <strong>of</strong> Ras Laffan Industrial City (JN 2004) where protected from grazing; very scattered<br />
in western <strong>Qatar</strong> in 2007. Batanouny and El Amin recorded mainly from S <strong>Qatar</strong>, where may still<br />
be locally abundant. Usually on thin, sandy or loamy deposits; <strong>of</strong>ten in rocky areas.<br />
uses: Widely documented as an important grazing plant. Several authors also mention its use for<br />
firewood. Used in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> digestive disorders and for its antimicrobial properties (Rizk &<br />
El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 38 L ; Bat 105 L , 106; Coll 213; Jong 185; Mand 203, 204; Phil 80; Shuaib 111; West 150.<br />
Senecio glaucus L.<br />
Senecio coronopifolius Desf.; Senecio desfontainei Druce<br />
Vernacular names: mureer<br />
ريرم<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Jan–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional or locally frequent on sandy beaches and in cultivated<br />
depressions (Batanouny). Occurs at Al Wakra coast (El Amin), Ras Laffan (JN) and Umm Tais (RR).<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly state that <strong>the</strong> plant contains alkaloids and is toxic to animals and humans.<br />
notes: The plant in <strong>the</strong> Gulf is S. glaucus subsp. coronopifolius (Maire) C. Alexander.<br />
Photos: El Amin 9; Coll 217; Corn 223; Jong 188; Mand 212, 213; Phil 66, 81; Shuaib 107; West 150.<br />
Senecio vulgaris L.<br />
Vernacular names: groundsel<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> irrigated, cultivated places.<br />
uses: Medicinal uses are described by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Coll 218.<br />
Sonchus asper (L.) Hill<br />
Vernacular names: prickly sowthistle<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: <strong>An</strong> occasional weed <strong>of</strong> gardens and o<strong>the</strong>r cultivated places.<br />
Photos: Coll 219; Corn 224.<br />
Sonchus maritimus L.<br />
ASTERACEAE<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Reported from a farm near Al Khor by El Amin.<br />
notes: A typographical error in El Amin’s book (p. 41) inadvertently put this species into <strong>the</strong> genus<br />
Senecio, but <strong>the</strong> record in any case seems doubtful as this species is not recorded elsewhere in <strong>the</strong><br />
Gulf.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
12 13
ASTERACEAE<br />
Sonchus oleraceus L.<br />
Vernacular names: smooth sow-thistle, wild lettuce, aldheid<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: <strong>An</strong> occasional weed <strong>of</strong> cultivation.<br />
uses: The leaves and sap have numerous medicinal properties.<br />
Photos: Bat 106; Coll 219; Corn 224; Jong 190; Phil 82; Shuaib 109; West 151.<br />
Sonchus tenerrimus L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> cultivation.<br />
Photos: Coll 220; Jong 191.<br />
Symphyotrichum squamatum (Spreng.) G.L. Nesom<br />
Aster squamatus (Spreng.) Hieron.<br />
نايوهج<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent. Batanouny noted that it grew pr<strong>of</strong>usely as a weed in some<br />
irrigated rodat in N <strong>Qatar</strong>. <strong>An</strong> increasing species in <strong>the</strong> Middle East.<br />
notes: Shown on Plate 7 <strong>of</strong> El Amin, where labelled ‘Conyza maritima’, but <strong>the</strong>re is no text entry.<br />
Photos: El Amin 7; Bat 96; Coll 173; Corn 203.<br />
Vernacular names: jahwayan<br />
Tripleurospermum auriculatum (Boiss.) Rech. f.<br />
Matricaria auriculata (Boiss.) Muschl.<br />
Vernacular names: zafira, daqiqa, qaraiS<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
ديذلا<br />
صيرق ,ةقيقد ,هريفز<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in silty rodat in N and C <strong>Qatar</strong>, <strong>of</strong>ten under Acacia and Ziziphus.<br />
uses: ‘Said to be eaten with stews’ (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 9; Bat 107; Coll 222; Corn 218.<br />
Urospermum picroides (L.) F.W. Schmidt<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. First published record: Abulfatih et al. (2001) (included in a list <strong>of</strong> species<br />
recorded). Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A plant <strong>of</strong> rocky areas.<br />
Photos: Coll 222; Jong 192; Shuaib 108; West 151.<br />
Xanthium spinosum L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Jun.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Cultivated fields; N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: The plant is used in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> diabetes, rabies and o<strong>the</strong>r diseases and medical<br />
conditions; <strong>the</strong> leaves have diuretic properties. Poisoning <strong>of</strong> cattle from <strong>the</strong> plant has been reported<br />
(Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 225.<br />
BORAGINACEAE<br />
<strong>An</strong>chusa hispida Forssk. Plate 24<br />
Gastrocotyle hispida (Forssk.) Bunge<br />
سيسبنع ,سمر<br />
Vernacular names: rims, ’anbasees<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy areas and silty depressions; especially N and C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Bat 84; Coll 88; Corn 173; Daoud 243; Jong 200; Phil 48; Shuaib 66; West 121.<br />
Arnebia decumbens (Vent.) Coss. & Kralik<br />
ASTERACEAE / BORAGINACEAE<br />
Vernacular names: Arabian primrose, kaHal<br />
لحاك<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in C and W <strong>Qatar</strong>. Previously recorded from Salwa and Jebel<br />
Dukhan, on saline, sandy soils.<br />
uses: The deep red root is used by bedouin women as a cosmetic (rouge).<br />
Photos: El Amin 2; Coll 82; Corn 170; Daoud 237; Jong 201; Phil 45; Shuaib 66.<br />
Arnebia hispidissima (Lehm.) DC. Plate 22<br />
بنرلأا ةشيشح ,حيلم ,لحاك<br />
Vernacular names: Arabian primrose, Prophet flower,<br />
kaHil, melleiH, Hasheshat al ’arneb<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Abundant on shallow sandy deposits in all habitat types except saline<br />
areas. Perhaps more abundant in S and SW <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: ‘Women formerly used <strong>the</strong> powdery red dust, that rubs <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> thick dark-red roots <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />
plants, as a cosmetic’ (Cornes & Cornes). Root strongly red and probably used as a dye (Mandaville).<br />
The cosmetic use also recorded for <strong>the</strong> UAE. The whole plant is used for fevers including malaria<br />
(Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 2; Bat 83; Coll 83; Corn 170; Jong 202; Mand 171; Phil 46; Pick 108; West 120.<br />
Echiochilon jugatum I.M. Johnst. Plate 23<br />
Echiochilon kotschyi (Boiss. & Hohen.) I.M. Johnst.; Lithospermum kotschyi (Boiss. & Hohen.) I.M.<br />
Johnst.<br />
Vernacular names: stoneseed, najmat al bar<br />
ربلا ةمجن<br />
Growth form: Shrublet or small shrub. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional on compact soils at Ras Laffan and o<strong>the</strong>r coastal areas in <strong>the</strong><br />
NE (JN, MS).<br />
Photos: Bat 84; Coll 87; Corn 173; Jong 206; Phil 47; West 121.<br />
14 15
BORAGINACEAE<br />
Echium horridum Batt.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded from SW <strong>Qatar</strong> in sandy habitats.<br />
uses: Reported by El Amin to help urine complaints and to give relief from fever.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. Plate 25<br />
Heliotropium crispum Desf.; Heliotropium kotschyi (Bunge) Gürke<br />
Vernacular names: turnsole, heliotrope, ramram, dhanab al-’aqrab<br />
برقعلا بنذ ,مارمر<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant or sometimes dominant in sandy, <strong>of</strong>ten compacted<br />
soils, including coastal beach sand. Also in disturbed areas by roadsides and around towns and<br />
villages.<br />
uses: Dried powdered leaves are used as a poultice for abscesses, boils, sprains and swellings (Rizk<br />
& El-Ghazaly). Also used for treating ulcers, mouth blisters and snake bites (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 2; Bat 85; Coll 89; Corn 174; Daoud 240; Jong 210; Mand 167; Phil 44, 51; Pick 160; Shuaib<br />
67; West 123.<br />
Heliotropium ramosissimum (Lehm.) Sieb.<br />
Vernacular names: ramram<br />
مارمر<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional on gravelly or sandy soils. Prevously recorded for N <strong>Qatar</strong>,<br />
but also found in <strong>the</strong> south.<br />
uses: Medicinal uses are similar to those recorded for H. bacciferum.<br />
Photos: Coll 91; Corn 177; Phil 52.<br />
Heliotropium zeylanicum (Burm. f.) Lam.<br />
Growth form: Herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). The salt-tolerant plant H.<br />
curassavicum L. is also very likely to occur in <strong>Qatar</strong> in gardens and farms. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> cultivation.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Lappula spinocarpos (Forssk.) Asch. ex Kuntze<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in silty depressions and gravelly soils.<br />
Photos: Bat 86; Coll 93; Daoud 241, 242; Jong 217; Mand 169; Shuaib 68.<br />
Moltkiopsis ciliata (Forssk.) I.M. Johnst.<br />
Lithospermum callosum Vahl<br />
Plate 27<br />
Vernacular names: Halam/Halamah, ghabshah<br />
هشبغ ,ةملح<br />
Growth form: Shrublet or small shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent on sand sheets, depressions and o<strong>the</strong>r sandy areas.<br />
Photos: Bat 86; Coll 93; Corn 178; Daoud 239; Jong 218; Phil 53; Shuaib 68; West 123.<br />
Ogastemma pusillum (Coss. & Durand ex Bonnet & Baratte) Brummitt Plate 26<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent on hard ground, including hamada and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
rocky areas. Not mentioned by earlier authors and thought to have been discovered new to <strong>Qatar</strong> in<br />
2007; however it is probable that <strong>the</strong>re has been confusion with <strong>the</strong> very similar Lappula spinocarpos.<br />
Photos: Coll 94; Jong 219; Shuaib 68.<br />
BRASSICACEAE<br />
<strong>An</strong>astatica hierochuntica L. Plates 28, 29<br />
ةئيفق ,ناقرب ,ةمطاف عيمج ,ءارذعلا فك ,ميرم فك<br />
Vernacular names: rose <strong>of</strong> Jericho, virgin’s hand<br />
kaf Maryam, kaf al athra, jumay’ faTimah, birkan, qufay’ah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to abundant in shallow sandy deposits, including runnels and<br />
small depressions. The plant is extremely common just west <strong>of</strong> Kharrarah (RR).<br />
uses: Its use as a charm and herbal aid in childbirth is widely reported. Batanouny mentions that<br />
it is sold in markets <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> as well as o<strong>the</strong>r Arabian countries. The dried plant is soaked in water<br />
and when it has unfurled <strong>the</strong> water is drunk by <strong>the</strong> expectant mo<strong>the</strong>r. Fur<strong>the</strong>r information is given<br />
in Phillips and Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: El Amin 11; Bat 36; Coll 246; Corn 98; Daoud 87 L ; Ghaz 184, 185; Jong 223; Mand 84, 85; Phil<br />
142, 143; West 60.<br />
Brassica rapa L.<br />
Vernacular names: turnip<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Farms and cultivated areas.<br />
uses: A widely cultivated vegetable. Has been used in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> various medical conditions<br />
including arthritis, chest-colds, dysentery, fever, mastitis, rheumatism, scurvy and skin ailments<br />
(Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 248.<br />
Brassica tournefortii Gouan<br />
Vernacular names: qarraS, shiltam<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: ?Native. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> cultivation.<br />
Photos: Coll 249; Daoud 83, 84; Jong 224; Shuaib 60.<br />
BORAGINACEAE / BRASSICACEAE<br />
16 17<br />
متلش ,صارق
BRASSICACEAE<br />
Carrichtera annua (L.) DC.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First record: SW <strong>Qatar</strong>, March 2007 (JN). Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi<br />
Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: A single plant in fruit growing in thin soil on a rocky summit.<br />
Photos: Coll 250; Daoud 94, 95, 96; Shuaib 63.<br />
Eremobium aegyptiacum (Spreng.) Asch. & Sweinf. ex Boiss. Plate 30<br />
Eremobium lineare (Delile) Boiss.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Local. First record?: SW <strong>Qatar</strong>, March 2007 (JN & S. Aspinall). Miller & Cope<br />
mention a record for which <strong>the</strong>re is no supporting specimen. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional, mainly on compact, gravelly soils in SW <strong>Qatar</strong> (found in 2007<br />
at several scattered localities following winter rains). Elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> Gulf area it is a widespread<br />
plant <strong>of</strong> deeper sand, becoming locally abundant after rains. Gravel and sand forms have been<br />
noted by Collenette (see Miller & Cope).<br />
Photos: Coll 253; Jong 231; Mand 95; West 61.<br />
Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav.<br />
Eruca sativa Mill.<br />
Vernacular names: rocket, jirjeer<br />
ريجرج<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed in gardens and o<strong>the</strong>r cultivated areas.<br />
uses: Eaten in salads. The whole plant is considered an aphrodisiac and considered a cure for a<br />
wide range <strong>of</strong> medical conditions, including inflammations, ulcers, stomach-ache, epilepsy and<br />
toothache (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 253; Daoud 89; Jong 232; Shuaib 61.<br />
[Erucaria crassifolia (Forssk.) Delile]<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Not confirmed for <strong>Qatar</strong>. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
notes: Miller & Cope note that it is recorded from <strong>Qatar</strong> by Batanouny (1981) and <strong>the</strong> UAE by<br />
Western. However, <strong>the</strong>y remark that no verified material has been seen and <strong>the</strong> occurrence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
species in Arabia needs confirmation. Batanouny reported it as growing ‘especially in rodat in N<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>’.<br />
Photos: The plant identified as E. crassifolia is shown in Bat 37 and West 61.<br />
Erucaria hispanica (L.) Druce<br />
Erucaria lineariloba Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: pink mustard<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from rodat in N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 254; Jong 233; Phil 144; West 62.<br />
Farsetia heliophila Bunge ex Cosson Plate 31<br />
Farsetia hamiltonii Royle; Farsetia arabica Boulos<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb or shrublet. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in thin sandy or silty deposits in stony or rocky areas. Frequent<br />
at Abu Nakhla sewage ponds (RR).<br />
notes: Records <strong>of</strong> Farsetia linearis Decne. ex Boiss. in <strong>the</strong> Gulf are in error for F. heliophila according<br />
to Miller & Cope.<br />
Photos: Corn 101; Jong 234; Phil 145.<br />
Lepidium aucheri Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: rashad bari<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: A species <strong>of</strong> silty depressions which have held rainwater.<br />
Photos: Coll 257; Daoud 84 L .<br />
18 19<br />
يرب داشر<br />
Lepidium didymum L.<br />
Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm.<br />
Vernacular names: swine-cress<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. All year.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: E Saudi<br />
Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: This species is a recent colonist in <strong>the</strong> Gulf; it is only included in <strong>the</strong> most<br />
recent flora for <strong>the</strong> region (Jongbloed et al.). In <strong>Qatar</strong> it is likely to occur in irrigated lawns and<br />
roadsides.<br />
Photos: Jong 229.<br />
Lepidium sativum L.<br />
Vernacular names: garden cress<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Jan–Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: Kuwait.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from a roadside.<br />
uses: A salad herb. Various medicinal uses are reported.<br />
Photos: Coll 258; Shuaib 61.<br />
Matthiola longipetala (Vent.) DC.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded from Al Wakra and Salwa.<br />
Photos: El Amin 50 L ; Coll 261; Daoud 108, 109, 11; Shuaib 62.<br />
Raphanus sativus L.<br />
Vernacular names: radish, fijl<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
BRASSICACEAE<br />
لجف
BRASSICACEAE<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: <strong>An</strong> escape from cultivation in farm areas.<br />
uses: Widely grown as a salad vegetable. A wide variety <strong>of</strong> medicinal benefits and uses are described.<br />
Photos: Coll 264; Corn 102.<br />
Savignya parviflora (Delile) Webb Plate 32<br />
Vernacular names: jirjees, kuljuman, jiljilan<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
نلاجلج ,نامجلك ,سيجرج<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent on rocky ground and shallow, compacted sand;<br />
especially SW <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly report that in Bahrain <strong>the</strong> leaves are used as purgative and hypoglycaemic.<br />
Photos: El Amin 50 L ; Bat 37; Coll 264; Corn 105; Daoud 97, 98,; Jong 241; Mand 79; Phil 146; Shuaib 62;<br />
West 64.<br />
Schimpera arabica Hochst. & Steud. ex Steud.<br />
Schimpera persica Boiss.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Usually occurs on silty sand; recorded from S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 264; Daoud 102, 103; Mand 86, 87; Shuaib 63; West 65.<br />
Sinapis arvensis L.<br />
Vernacular names: wild mustard, khardal<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> cultivated and irrigated areas.<br />
Photos: Coll 265; Jong 242.<br />
Sisymbrium erysimoides Desf.<br />
Vernacular names: thuwaT<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from N and C <strong>Qatar</strong> in silty or sandy rodat; <strong>of</strong>ten associated<br />
with Ziziphus nummularia trees.<br />
Photos: El Amin 52 L ; Coll 265; Jong 243; Pick 110; West 65.<br />
Sisymbrium irio L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> cultivation, irrigated soils and waste ground.<br />
Photos: Coll 266; Daoud 117; Jong 244; Shuaib 60.<br />
Sisymbrium orientale L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
لدرخ<br />
طاوث<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> lawns (Batanouny) and waste ground (Abdel Bari).<br />
Photos: El Amin 11; Bat 37; Coll 266.<br />
Zilla spinosa (L.) Prantl<br />
Vernacular names: shaja, silla, shubrum<br />
مربش ,لايس ,اجش<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional or frequent in SW <strong>Qatar</strong> in sandy and silty depressions.<br />
The village <strong>of</strong> Umm al Shubrum is named after <strong>the</strong> plant, which occurs in <strong>the</strong> area. Also found at<br />
Mekainis, Al Kharrarah and Umm Slal Mohammed (MS).<br />
uses: ‘A useful remedy in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> ailments such as kidney stones’ (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 267; Daoud 93; Jong 245; Mand 76; West 66.<br />
CAPPARACEAE<br />
Capparis spinosa L.<br />
Vernacular names: common caper, shafallaH<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in stony and rocky areas and compact silty soils in depressions<br />
and by roads; mainly in NE <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Buds are cooked and pickled and used as flavouring in cooking (El Amin). The leaves <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
plant are used for treating earache, coughs, expelling stomach worms and for diabetes. (Ghazanfar).<br />
Rizk & El-Ghazaly also list numerous o<strong>the</strong>r medicinal uses.<br />
notes: There are two widespread varieties in Arabia: var. spinosa (C. aegyptiaca Lam., C.s. var.<br />
aegyptia) and var. mucronifolia (Boiss.) Hedge & Lamond. For <strong>Qatar</strong> earlier authors recorded var.<br />
spinosa (<strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong>ten seen by roadsides), but Miller & Cope also list var. mucronifolia (<strong>of</strong> rocky<br />
areas).<br />
Photos: El Amin 3; Bat 33 L ; Coll 108; Corn 106; Ghaz 165; Jong 248; Mand 69, 70; Phil 57, 58; West 57.<br />
Cleome amblyocarpa Barratte & Murb.<br />
Cleome africana Botsch.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy saline depressions.<br />
uses: Jongbloed et al. note its use to treat abdominal and rheumatic pains.<br />
Photos: Coll 109; Jong 249.<br />
Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ex DC.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or short-lived perennial. Fl. Dec–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from Al Khor by Batanouny.<br />
Photos: Bat 34; Coll 110; Ghaz 170; Jong 251; West 57.<br />
BRASSICACEAE / CAPPARACEAE<br />
20 21<br />
حلفش
CAPPARACEAE / CARyOPHyLLACEAE<br />
Cleome noeana Boiss.<br />
Cleome dolichostyla Jafri<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or perennial herb, or small shrub. Fl. May–Aug.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First published record: Miller & Cope (1996). Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Gravel desert on <strong>the</strong> north coast (Miller & Cope).<br />
notes: Only subsp. noeana occurs in <strong>Qatar</strong>; subsp. brachystyla (Deflers) Chamberlain & Lamond is<br />
found elsewhere in Arabia. The plant named as C. dolichostyla Jafri in Arabia is included within C.<br />
noeana by Miller & Cope.<br />
Photos: Jong 253, West 58.<br />
Cleome scaposa DC.<br />
Vernacular names: DHefra, zefra<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or short-lived perennial. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
ةرفز ,ةرفظ<br />
habitat & distribution: Rocky places; previously recorded N <strong>of</strong> Doha by Batanouny and recently<br />
in a few sites in NE <strong>Qatar</strong> (MS).<br />
Photos: Bat 35; Coll 112; Ghaz 169; Jong 255.<br />
Dipterygium glaucum Decne. Plate 33<br />
Vernacular names: ’alqa<br />
ةقلع<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb or shrublet. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Local. First record: SW <strong>Qatar</strong>, March 2007 (JN and S. Aspinall). Also recorded: E<br />
Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: In moderately firm sand mixed with gravel, and similar habitats. A species<br />
also <strong>of</strong> stable sand dunes in some o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf.<br />
uses: ‘Of some importance for grazing in more remote regions’ (Mandaville).<br />
Photos: Coll 113; Ghaz 176-8; Jong 256; Pick 117; West 59.<br />
CARYOPHYLLACEAE<br />
Herniaria hemistemon J. Gay Plate 34<br />
Vernacular names: um waja’ alkabid, ghebayra<br />
ةريبغ ,دبكلا عجو مأ<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent on compact or thin soils over most <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: ‘Good fodder’ (El Amin). The scientific name refers to its use in treating hernias (mentioned<br />
for Europe by Jongbloed et al.). It is used in Bahrain as a diuretic and purgative (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Bat 20; Coll 119; Corn 62; Daoud 146; Jong 264; Mand 24; Phil 150; Shuaib 95; West 39.<br />
Herniaria hirsuta L.<br />
Vernacular names: ’eysh shawlah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded only once on Jebel Dukhan by El Amin.<br />
هلوش شيع<br />
uses: Used as a diuretic and astringent (Batanouny); a powerful narcotic and stomach irritant (Rizk<br />
& El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 120; Shuaib 95.<br />
Paronychia arabica (L.) DC. Plate 35<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional on shallow sandy soils.<br />
uses: ‘The entire plant is used as a stimulant and aphrodisiac’ (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Bat 21; Coll 122; Corn 62; Daoud 145; Jong 265; Phil 151; Shuaib 95; West 39.<br />
Polycarpaea repens (Forssk.) Asch. & Schweinf. Plate 36<br />
Vernacular names: kameela, makhor<br />
روخام ,ةليمك<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent or abundant on sand sheets, gravel plains and o<strong>the</strong>r sandy<br />
habitats.<br />
uses: Mandaville remarks that <strong>the</strong> plant is traditionally used by one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bedouin tribes to treat<br />
mange <strong>of</strong> camels. Ghazanfar records its use as an antidote for snake bite.<br />
Photos: Coll 123; Corn 65; Daoud 142, 143; Ghaz 67; Jong 266; Phil 152; Shuaib 96; West 40.<br />
Polycarpaea robbairea (Kuntze) Greuter & Burdet<br />
Robbairea delileana Milne-Redh.<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: El Amin recorded from Umm Slal Ali and Al Kharrarah on gravelly and<br />
stony soils.<br />
Photos: Bat 22; Coll 123; Daoud 144; Ghaz 69; Jong 267; Shuaib 96.<br />
Polycarpaea spicata Wight ex Arn.<br />
Vernacular names: daqeeqa<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional on sandy and gravelly soils, including disturbed soils around<br />
towns.<br />
Photos: Bat 21; Coll 124; Ghaz 68; Jong 268.<br />
Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> gardens, usually on sandy soils.<br />
Photos: Coll 124; Daoud 140, 141; Jong 269; Shuaib 96.<br />
CARyOPHyLLACEAE<br />
22 23<br />
ةقيقد
CARyOPHyLLACEAE<br />
Sclerocephalus arabicus Boiss. Plate 38<br />
Vernacular names: knucklehead weed, thrais, Haras<br />
سرح ,سيرث<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Abundant, <strong>of</strong>ten locally dominant. Always on hard surfaces, including<br />
gravel plains, stony and and rocky areas, where <strong>the</strong>re is a thin covering <strong>of</strong> silt or sand.<br />
uses: El Amin remarks that it is not liked by animals due to its bristles.<br />
Photos: Bat 22; Coll 125; Corn 65; Daoud 147; Jong 270; Mand 25; Phil 153; Shuaib 97; West 40.<br />
Silene arabica Boiss.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Sandy habitats; N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 126; Daoud 134, 135; Mand 18; Shuaib 98.<br />
Silene conica L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: Kuwait.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded along <strong>the</strong> road to Umm Bab; also Dukhan and C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Silene villosa Forssk. Plate 39<br />
Vernacular names: desert campion, Turbah<br />
ةبرط<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in sandy habitats. Not rare as noted by Batanouny,<br />
but only numerous after rains.<br />
notes: Miller and Cope (1996, p. 219) distinguish two forms ‘A’ and ‘B’ in Arabia, <strong>of</strong> which only<br />
form B is recorded for <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 3; Bat 23; Coll 130; Daoud 133; Ghaz 72; Jong 274; Mand 20; Phil 154; Shuaib 99; West 41.<br />
Spergula fallax (Lowe) E.H.L. Krause Plate 37<br />
Vernacular names: daqeeqa<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent or abundant in sandy or silty depressions, particularly under<br />
shade <strong>of</strong> trees, but also in o<strong>the</strong>r habitats.<br />
Photos: Bat 23; Coll 132; Daoud 116 L ; Ghaz 70; Jong 275; Mand 21; Pick 167; West 42.<br />
Spergularia bocconei (Scheele) Asch. & Graebn.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in sandy or silty depressions, particularly under shade <strong>of</strong> trees.<br />
Photos: Coll 132; Corn 66.<br />
ةقيقد<br />
Spergularia diandra (Guss.) Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: umm threib, qaleiqah<br />
ةقيلق ,بيرث مأ<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Abundant on thin sandy deposits on hamada and o<strong>the</strong>r rocky areas; also<br />
in o<strong>the</strong>r sandy habitats, gardens and cultivated areas.<br />
Photos: Coll 132; Daoud 138, 139; Jong 276; Mand 22; Shuaib 97.<br />
Stellaria media (L.) Vill.<br />
Vernacular names: chickweed<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> gardens and o<strong>the</strong>r irrigated, cultivated areas.<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly list numerous medicinal uses.<br />
Photos: Coll 133; Jong 279.<br />
Stellaria pallida (Dumort.) Murb.<br />
Vernacular names: lesser chickweed<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Jan–Mar.<br />
status: ?Native. Uncertain. Also recorded: Kuwait.<br />
habitat & distribution: A species <strong>of</strong> moist ground.<br />
notes: The only Stellaria species listed for <strong>Qatar</strong> by Miller & Cope, who comment on <strong>the</strong> difficulty<br />
in identifying this and S. media with certainty.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert<br />
Vaccaria pyramidata Medik.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from Al Khor by El Amin.<br />
Photos: Coll 134; Shuaib 98.<br />
CASUARINACEAE<br />
CARyOPHyLLACEAE / CASUARINACEAE<br />
Casuarina equisetifolia L.<br />
Vernacular names: Australian pine, she-oak<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Mainly gardens and roadsides in towns and cities.<br />
uses: Widely planted for ornament and shade.<br />
notes: Several species are planted in <strong>the</strong> Gulf (Miller & Cope); C. equisetifolia L. probably being <strong>the</strong><br />
more common and widespread. C. cunninghamiana Miq. is listed by El Amin (p. 149) as planted in<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> and <strong>the</strong> hybrid with C. equisetifolia has been recorded in Kuwait.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
24 25
CHENOPODIACEAE<br />
CHENOPODIACEAE<br />
Agathophora alopecuroides (Delile) Fenzl. ex Bunge<br />
Agathophora iraqensis Botsch.; Halogeton alopecuroides (Delile) Moq.; Salsola alopecuroides Delile<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded at Al Khor and Umm Slal Ali.<br />
notes: Two varieties occur in Arabia, var. alopecuriodes and var. papillosa (Maire) Boulos; both may<br />
grow in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Bat 26; Mand 49.<br />
Agriophyllum minus Fisch. & Mey. Plate 43<br />
Agriophyllum montasiri El-Gazzar<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in saline sandy areas on <strong>the</strong> coast and in ‘white sand’ areas<br />
inland. So far recorded only from SW <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 16 L ; Coll 139; Jong 281.<br />
<strong>An</strong>abasis setifera Moq. Plate 40<br />
Vernacular names: hamD al ’arnab, sha’ran<br />
ناريعش ,بنرلأا ضمح<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Aug–Nov.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Widespread on harder substrates including compacted, moderately<br />
saline, sandy soils including sabkha edge.<br />
uses: El Amin states that it is known for good salt grazing for camels and o<strong>the</strong>r animals.<br />
Photos: El Amin 3; Bat 24; Coll 140; Corn 70; Daoud 191, 192, 19; Ghaz 53; Jong 282; Pick 204; Shuaib<br />
75; West 45.<br />
Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) K. Koch<br />
Arthrocnemum glaucum (Delile) Ung.-Sternb.<br />
Vernacular names: shinan, ’ajram, HamaD<br />
ضمح ,مرجع ,نانش<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Abundant in saltmarsh along coasts at Al Khor, Ras Eshairiq, Umm Bab<br />
and Dukhan. Also locally dominant on coastal sabkha at Ras Abrouq.<br />
uses: Dry stems are used as firewood.<br />
Photos: El Amin 4; Bat 24; Coll 141; Corn 82; Ghaz 37, 38; Jong 283; Pick 205; West 45.<br />
Atriplex leucoclada Boiss. Plate 41<br />
Vernacular names: orache, rughl<br />
لغر<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Oct–Nov.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in coastal areas.<br />
uses: Grazed by sheep and camels and is valuable salt grazing (El Amin). Cornes & Cornes note<br />
that ‘Atriplex species are a good source <strong>of</strong> fodder, with high protein content’.<br />
notes: Two forms are recorded for Arabia: var inamoena (Aellen) Zoh. and var. turcomanica (Moq.)<br />
Zoh. Only <strong>the</strong> latter is confirmed for <strong>Qatar</strong> by Miller & Cope.<br />
Photos: El Amin 4; Bat 25; Coll 142; Corn 73; Daoud 162, 163; Ghaz 33; Jong 284; Mand 28; Phil 96; Shuaib<br />
78; West 46.<br />
Bassia eriophora (Schrad.) Asch.<br />
Vernacular names: quTn<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: El Amin recorded it near Al Khor.<br />
uses: El Amin remarks that <strong>the</strong> white fibres are used as cotton stuffings.<br />
Photos: El Amin 4; Coll 143; Corn 74; Daoud 165, 166, 16; Mand 29; Shuaib 78.<br />
Bassia muricata (L.) Asch.<br />
Vernacular names: jebira, quTn<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
26 27<br />
نطق<br />
نطق ,ةريبج<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Qatar</strong>. Occurs in <strong>the</strong> Dukhan area on compacted<br />
gypsum soils (JN).<br />
uses: Grazed and liked by camels, sheep and o<strong>the</strong>r livestock.<br />
Photos: Coll 144; Daoud 139 L ; Jong 285; Shuaib 78.<br />
Beta vulgaris L.<br />
CHENOPODIACEAE<br />
Vernacular names: beet, salaq, shamandar, bari<br />
يرب ,ردنمش ,قلس<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: <strong>An</strong> escape from cultivation; <strong>the</strong> wild form occurs in saltmarshes but has<br />
not been recorded from <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Cultivated as a vegetable. The plant has diuretic, aphrodisiac and various o<strong>the</strong>r medicinal<br />
properties (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
notes: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris is <strong>the</strong> cultivated garden beet and B. vulgaris subsp. maritima (L.)<br />
Arcang. is <strong>the</strong> wild sea beet.<br />
Photos: Coll 144; Jong 286.<br />
Bienertia cycloptera Bunge ex Boiss.<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Sep–Oct.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. First record: Mesaieed, November 1998 (JN). Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi<br />
Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A species <strong>of</strong> coastal saltmarshes.<br />
notes: A specimen collected from <strong>the</strong> coast at Mesaieed was provisionally determined as this<br />
species by E. Clement, but dried specimens <strong>of</strong> fleshy-leaved Chenopodiaceae are very difficult to<br />
identify. It is not known to have been previously recorded from <strong>Qatar</strong>, but is widespread elsewhere<br />
along <strong>the</strong> Gulf coast and may have been overlooked at o<strong>the</strong>r sites in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 144; Daoud 175,176,17; Jong 287; Mand 35; Shuaib 76.
CHENOPODIACEAE<br />
Chenopodium album L.<br />
Vernacular names: shawlah, siamjat al reiH, weraq, zarbekh<br />
خيبرز ,قارو ,حيرلا تاجميس ,هلوش<br />
fat hen, white goosefoot<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A frequent weed <strong>of</strong> cultivated and irrigated areas.<br />
uses: Various medicinal uses have been documented.<br />
Photos: Bat 25; Coll 145; Jong 288; Shuaib 78; West 47.<br />
Chenopodium murale L.<br />
Vernacular names: zarbeeH, khaisa, weraq, abu ’affeyn<br />
نيفع وبأ ,قارو ,ةسياخ ,حيبرز<br />
fat hen, white goosefoot<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in disturbed areas, especially around towns and villages.<br />
Photos: El Amin 4; Bat 25; Coll 146; Corn 77; Daoud 161; Ghaz 31; Jong 289; Phil 97; Pick 207; Shuaib<br />
78; West 47.<br />
Cornulaca aucheri Moq.<br />
Vernacular names: hadh, saley<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Oct–Nov.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Coastal areas, including Umm Bab, Salwa and Al Khor.<br />
Photos: Bat 26; Coll 147; Corn 77; Ghaz 44; Jong 291; Shuaib 77.<br />
Cornulaca monacantha Delile<br />
Vernacular names: thallaj, hadh<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Oct–Nov.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in coastal areas and in S <strong>Qatar</strong> on deeper saline sand.<br />
يلس ,ذاح<br />
ذاح ,جلاث<br />
uses: Reported by Rizk & El-Ghazaly to have some degree <strong>of</strong> antimicrobial activity when ingested.<br />
Leaves are used to treat jaundice in <strong>Qatar</strong> (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 5; Bat 26; Coll 148; Corn 77; Ghaz 45; Jong 280 L , 292; West 48.<br />
Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb.<br />
Vernacular names: sabat, hadhadi<br />
يداذح ,تبس<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Sep–Oct.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from saltmarsh at Al Khor and Abu Samrah.<br />
uses: Cornes & Cornes report that <strong>the</strong> plant is intensively grazed by camels in sabkha areas and also<br />
by gazelles; Mandaville (citing an earlier author) mentions a herdsmen’s belief that overfeeding on<br />
this plant is a cause <strong>of</strong> lung disease in camels.<br />
Photos: Coll 149; Corn 85; Daoud 168, 169; Jong 290, 293; Mand 30; Phil 98; Shuaib 75; West 48.<br />
Halopeplis perfoliata (Forssk.) Bunge ex Schweinf. & Asch. Plate 42<br />
زيرخ<br />
Vernacular names: khurreyz (string <strong>of</strong> beads)<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Locally abundant in saltmarsh and sabkha edge, or occasionally on saline<br />
sand; mainly N <strong>Qatar</strong> and <strong>the</strong> E coast.<br />
Photos: El Amin 5; Bat 27; Coll 149; Corn 38, 85; Ghaz 35, 36; Jong 280 L , 290, 294; Phil 99; Pick 57; West 49.<br />
Haloxylon persicum Bunge<br />
Haloxylon ammodendron (C.A. Meyer) Bunge<br />
CHENOPODIACEAE<br />
Vernacular names: ghada, qadha, rimth<br />
ثمر ,ىذق<br />
Growth form: Shrub or small tree. Fl. Feb–May.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A characteristic species <strong>of</strong> deep, <strong>of</strong>ten drifting sand. Recorded only by El<br />
Amin, but, confusingly, he refers to this species as Haloxylon salicornicum (and what is now known<br />
as H. salicornicum under <strong>the</strong> older name <strong>of</strong> Hammada elegans). He recorded it east <strong>of</strong> Salwa at Mah<br />
Sobia hill (<strong>the</strong> area now known as Al Mashbiya), near <strong>the</strong> Saudi Arabian border.<br />
uses: Grazed by camels; highly valued as firewood by bedouin and desert villagers (Mandaville).<br />
Photos: El Amin 5; Coll 150; Jong 296; West 49.<br />
Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss. Plate 44<br />
Hammada elegans (Bunge) Botsch.; Hammada salicornica (Moq.) Iljin<br />
ثمر<br />
Vernacular names: rimth<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Sep–Oct.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Abundant in parts <strong>of</strong> SW <strong>Qatar</strong> in sandy areas between Abu Samrah and<br />
Al Karaanah. Also found at Khor Al Adaid, but local elsewhere. <strong>An</strong> area has recently developed at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Al Sheehaniyah racecourse in C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Good fodder for camels. O<strong>the</strong>r animals graze on it when nothing else is around’ (El Amin).<br />
Mandaville notes that it is important camel grazing when annuals and grasses are not available<br />
but remarks: ‘excessive saltbush grazing is recognised to be physiologically damaging’. A source<br />
<strong>of</strong> firewood. A relatively small number <strong>of</strong> medicinal uses are documented; stems are used to treat<br />
hypoglycaemia (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 5; Bat 29; Coll 151; Corn 78; Daoud 188, 189, 19; Ghaz 46, 47; Jong 297; Phil 100; Shuaib<br />
74; West 50.<br />
Salicornia europaea L. Plate 45<br />
Salicornia maritima Wolff & Jefferies; Salicornia herbacea L.<br />
Vernacular names: glasswort<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Nov.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait.<br />
habitat & distribution: Locally abundant at Al Khor; also at Umm Tais (RR).<br />
notes: Batanouny undoubtedly recorded Salsola soda L. in error for this species.<br />
Photos: Daoud 170, 171; Phil 101; Shuaib 76.<br />
28 29
CHENOPODIACEAE<br />
Salsola cyclophylla Baker<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Oct–Dec.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny in S <strong>Qatar</strong> ‘where it dominates a community on<br />
<strong>the</strong> road to <strong>the</strong> UAE’. Typical habitats in Saudi Arabia include sand dunes, rocky slopes, limestone<br />
and sandstone plateaux (Miller & Cope).<br />
Photos: Coll 153; Jong 298; Mand 40.<br />
Salsola drummondii Ulbr.<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Oct–Dec.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. First published record: Miller & Cope (1996). Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia,<br />
UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: In o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf this is a species <strong>of</strong> saline sandy areas, including<br />
sabkha; usually near <strong>the</strong> coast.<br />
Photos: Jong 299; Pick 58.<br />
Salsola imbricata Forssk. Plate 46<br />
Salsola baryosma (Roem. & Schult.) Dandy; Salsola foetida Delile ex Spreng.<br />
طيرخ<br />
Vernacular names: saltwort, khareeT<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Jun–Sep.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent or abundant in coastal saline areas, including beaches and<br />
sabkha, occasionally in o<strong>the</strong>r habitats.<br />
uses: ‘In Bahrain, <strong>the</strong> flowers are used as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory’ Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
notes: Plate 46 shows a Salsola species, possibly S. imbricata.<br />
Photos: El Amin 6; Coll 153; Corn 39, 74, 78; Daoud 180, 181; Ghaz 51; Jong 280 L , 300; Phil 102; Shuaib<br />
77; West 50.<br />
Salsola schweinfurthii Solms-Laub.<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in saline areas in S <strong>Qatar</strong> according to Batanouny.<br />
notes: Needs confirmation as not listed for <strong>Qatar</strong> by Miller & Cope.<br />
Photos: Coll 154.<br />
Salsola villosa Schultes<br />
Salsola mandavillei Botsch.; Salsola vermiculata sensu Mandaville, non L.; Salsola vermiculata var.<br />
villosa (Schultes) Moq.<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from C and N <strong>Qatar</strong> in calcareous stony soils<br />
and saline areas.<br />
uses: Favourite grazing for camels (Mandaville). Salt grazing (El Amin). Often used as firewood<br />
(Mandaville).<br />
notes: Needs confirmation as not listed for <strong>Qatar</strong> by Miller & Cope.<br />
Photos: Mand 41.<br />
Seidlitzia rosmarinus Bunge ex Boiss. Plate 47<br />
ناملج ,نانش<br />
Vernacular names: shinan/ushnan, julman<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Sep–Oct.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Abundant and <strong>of</strong>ten dominant on undulating sand, sabkha edge and over<br />
sand dunes from Mesaieed southwards.<br />
uses: The leaves are used as a cleansing agent (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: Bat 30; Coll 155; Corn 86; Daoud 179; Jong 302; Mand 37; Shuaib 75.<br />
Suaeda aegyptiaca (Hasselq.) Zohary Plate 48<br />
Chenopodium aegyptiacum Hasselq.; Schanginia aegyptiaca (Hasselq.) Aellen; Schanginia baccata<br />
(Forssk.) Moq.<br />
Vernacular names: seablite, suweid, Hatallus, julman<br />
ناملج ,سلتح ,ديوس<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Sep–Oct.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in coastal areas and wherever saline soils occur, including<br />
irrigated farmland.<br />
uses: El Amin remarks that fresh leaves are sold in markets in <strong>Qatar</strong> for eating in salads. Stems and<br />
leaves are also used to treat tooth and gum infections. Ghazanfar mentions that <strong>the</strong> plant is used<br />
as snuff to alleviate dizziness, headaches and o<strong>the</strong>r ailments.<br />
Photos: Bat 29; Coll 156; Corn 81; Daoud 173, 174; Jong 303; Phil 103; Shuaib 80; West 52.<br />
Suaeda vermiculata Forssk. ex J.F. Gmel. Plate 49<br />
Suaeda fruticosa Forssk. ex J.F. Gmel.<br />
Vernacular names: seablite, suweid<br />
ديوس<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Oct.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional or frequent in coastal saline habitats.<br />
uses: Jong et al. note that <strong>the</strong> plant is suitable for saline irrigation and a promising landscape plant,<br />
and is also used to treat asthma.<br />
Photos: El Amin 6; Bat 30; Coll 157; Corn 81; Daoud 172; Ghaz 41; Jong 280 L , 304; Phil 104; Pick 59;<br />
Shuaib 80; West 53.<br />
Traganum nudatum Delile<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. First published record: Miller & Cope (1996). Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi<br />
Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A plant <strong>of</strong> rocky places over Arabia generally.<br />
Photos: Coll 158; Daoud 178; Shuaib 80.<br />
CISTACEAE<br />
Helian<strong>the</strong>mum kahiricum Delile Plate 50<br />
قورقر<br />
Vernacular names: raqrouq<br />
Growth form: Shrublet. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
CHENOPODIACEAE / CISTACEAE<br />
30 31
CISTACEAE / COMBRETACEAE / CONVOLVULACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Mainly on harder, calcareous substrates in W <strong>Qatar</strong>. Frequent in <strong>the</strong><br />
Dukhan area (JN).<br />
Photos: El Amin 25 L ; Bat 71; Coll 159; Corn 97; Daoud 35; Ghaz 133-4; Jong 305; Phil 160; West 101.<br />
Helian<strong>the</strong>mum lippii (L.) Dum.-Cours. Plate 51<br />
Vernacular names: raqrouq<br />
Growth form: Shrublet. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant on hamada, gravel plains and sandy soils.<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly report that <strong>the</strong> plant possesses antimicrobial activity.<br />
Photos: El Amin 6, 25 L ; Bat 71, 72 L ; Coll 159; Daoud 36; Jong 306; Phil 161; Shuaib 106; West 102.<br />
COMBRETACEAE<br />
Conocarpus lancifolius Engl.<br />
Vernacular names: damas<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
قورقر<br />
habitat & distribution: Planted at Mesaieed Industrial City (JN), but may be more widespread.<br />
uses: A saline-tolerant tree producing dense foliage, making it suitable for use as shade and<br />
screening.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
CONVOLVULACEAE<br />
Convolvulus arvensis L.<br />
Vernacular names: bindweed, ’ullayq<br />
قيلع<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional or frequent in lawns, gardens and o<strong>the</strong>r cultivated areas.<br />
uses: The plant is poisonous if eaten in any quantity (Rizk & El-Ghazaly); roots and leaves are used<br />
as an anti-haemorrhagic (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 9; Coll 226; Corn 181; Jong 310; Phil 139; Shuaib 54; West 117.<br />
Convolvulus cephalopodus Boiss. Plate 52<br />
Convolvulus buschiricus Bornm.<br />
Vernacular names: khatme<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy areas; particularly W <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Bat 79; Daoud 21, 215, 216; Jong 311; Pick 168; Shuaib 55; West 117.<br />
Convolvulus fatmensis Kunze<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
يمتاخ<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from silty soils in rodat.<br />
Photos: Bat 80; Coll 229.<br />
Convolvulus glomeratus Choisy<br />
Vernacular names: ’ullayq<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from cultivated rodat, in light or sandy soils.<br />
uses: Taken as a purgative (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 10; Bat 80; Coll 229; Jong 312.<br />
Convolvulus pilosellifolius Desr. Plate 53<br />
Vernacular names: melbow, haTHmy, rukheima<br />
ةميخر ,يمثه ,وبليم<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Locally abundant in silty depressions and rodat in C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Eaten as salad or cooked with rice to add flavour (El Amin, Jongbloed et al.). Used as a<br />
purgative in Bahrain (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 10, 44 L ; Bat 82; Coll 230; Corn 182; Daoud 185 L ; Jong 313; Phil 140; Shuaib 54; West 118.<br />
Convolvulus prostratus Forssk.<br />
Convolvulus deserti Hochst. & Steud.; Convolvulus microphyllus (Roth) Spreng.<br />
قيلع<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in silt pans and o<strong>the</strong>r depressions; also on gravelly soils and<br />
in runnels.<br />
notes: C. prostratus and C. deserti are two closely related taxa for which <strong>the</strong> taxonomy is poorly<br />
understood. Batanouny listed both species, but it is probable that only one variable entity occurs.<br />
Photos: El Amin 10; Bat 79, 81; Coll 230; Jong 314; West 118.<br />
Vernacular names: ’ullayq<br />
Cressa cretica L.<br />
Vernacular names: alkali weed, rosin weed, nedewah<br />
ةويدن<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional on compact saline soils around <strong>the</strong> coasts; especially N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Recorded from Ras Laffan (JN), just west <strong>of</strong> Doha (RR) and is common at Al Zubarah (RR).<br />
uses: In Bahrain, <strong>the</strong> leaves are used as an expectorant (Rizk & El-Ghazaly); also used as an<br />
aphrodisiac (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 10; Bat 82; Coll 233; Corn 182; Daoud 212, 213; Jong 317; Phil 141; Shuaib 55; West 119.<br />
Cuscuta chinensis Lam.<br />
Vernacular names: Chinese dodder<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual parasitic herb. Fl. Jan–Dec.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Local. Needs confirmation for <strong>Qatar</strong>. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
CONVOLVULACEAE<br />
32 33<br />
قيلع
CONVOLVULACEAE / CUCURBITACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Batanouny mentions that this species is a fairly common parasite <strong>of</strong><br />
cultivated alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), as well as Ziziphus nummularia.<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly list a large number <strong>of</strong> medicinal uses.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Cuscuta pedicellata Ledeb.<br />
Vernacular names: dodder<br />
Growth form: Parasitic herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from cultivated areas on many different hosts including crops<br />
such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum); also on trees such as Prosopis and<br />
Ziziphus, and also on Chenopodium, Fagonia and Trigonella spp.<br />
Photos: Coll 234.<br />
Cuscuta pentagona Engelm.<br />
Vernacular names: dodder<br />
Growth form: Parasitic herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Abdel Bari records it as a ‘common parasite on ornamental annuals’.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
CUCURBITACEAE<br />
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Plate 54<br />
Cucumis colocynthis L.<br />
Vernacular names: hanDHal, shary (fruit), Hadaj<br />
desert squash, bitter gourd/squash<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Apr–Jul.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
جدح ,)ةرمث( يرش ,لظنح<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy areas, particularly in depressions and runnels; though<br />
single plants may cover a large area.<br />
uses: El Amin reports that <strong>the</strong> ripe fruit were used to prepare gunpowder. The plant is well known<br />
to have strong laxative properties; o<strong>the</strong>r medicinal uses recorded by Ghazanfar include treatment<br />
<strong>of</strong> dog, insect and snake bites; to relieve pain in joints and as a hair dye.<br />
Photos: El Amin 16; Bat 73, 74 L ; Coll 268; Daoud 4, 46, 47, 48; Ghaz 151; Jong 323; Mand 67, 68; Phil 105;<br />
Pick 170; Shuaib 55; West 104.<br />
Cucumis prophetarum L.<br />
Vernacular names: shary, haneiDalan, Hadak<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded from Al Karaanah.<br />
uses: The plant has purgative properties (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 16; Bat 73, 74; Coll 270; Ghaz 147-9; Jong 325; Pick 122; West 105.<br />
قدح ,نلاضينه ,يرش<br />
CYNOMORIACEAE<br />
Cynomorium coccineum L. Plate 55<br />
ثوثرط<br />
Vernacular names: red thumb, desert thumb, Tarthuth<br />
Growth form: Parasitic perennial herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: On damp, saline sand, including beaches, thus mainly with a coastal<br />
distribution. Frequent at Dukhan water treatment works, growing on Tetraena qatarensis and nearby<br />
on <strong>the</strong> west coast (JN); also occurs at Ras Laffan (RR), Mesaieed and Khor Al Adaid (MS). O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
host plants include species <strong>of</strong> Chenopodiaceae.<br />
uses: The roots are edible and were sold in earlier times as a vegetable. Flowers were used as a dye<br />
in Saudi Arabia (Ghazanfar); used as a aphrodisiac in Bahrain (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Bat 75; Coll 276; Corn 33, 145; Daoud 70; Jong 326; Mand 134; Phil 64, 65; Shuaib 51; West 105.<br />
EUPHORBIACEAE<br />
CyNOMORIACEAE / EUPHORBIACEAE<br />
<strong>An</strong>drachne telephioides L. Plate 56<br />
هظميوح<br />
Vernacular names: HuweimDHa<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in silty depressions.<br />
uses: The plant is poisonous and used as an insecticide (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Bat 63; Coll 302; Corn 120; Daoud 64, 65; Jong 330; Phil 168; Shuaib 84; West 92.<br />
Chamaesyce arabica (Hochst. & Steud. ex Boiss.) Soják<br />
Euphorbia arabica <strong>An</strong>derson<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded near Abu Samrah on a ‘mud plain’.<br />
Photos: Jong 334; West 93.<br />
Chamaesyce granulata Forssk.<br />
Euphorbia granulata (Forssk.) Soják<br />
Vernacular names: labeinah<br />
ةنيبل<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occurs on various soils and a weed in urban areas, but may have been<br />
frequently mis-recorded for C. serpens.<br />
uses: Sap is applied to poisonous bites (Jongbloed et al.).<br />
notes: One <strong>of</strong> several very similar prostrate Euphorbia species, <strong>of</strong>ten treated as Chamaesyce, that<br />
occur in damp, disturbed habitats, particularly in lawns, gardens and plantations.<br />
Photos: El Amin 11; Bat 63; Coll 315; Daoud 67; Jong 335; Shuaib 85; West 95.<br />
34 35
EUPHORBIACEAE<br />
Chamaesyce hirta (L.) Millsp.<br />
Euphorbia hirta L.<br />
Vernacular names: labeinah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr–Sep.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> cultivated land (Batanouny).<br />
uses: The sap is used to treat cuts and wounds (Rizk & El-Ghazaly), a number <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r medicinal<br />
uses are also listed.<br />
Photos: Coll 317; Jong 338; Shuaib 86.<br />
Chamaesyce prostrata (Aiton) Small<br />
Euphorbia prostrata Aiton<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in irrigated areas in C <strong>Qatar</strong>, especially in rodat.<br />
uses: Amongst those listed by Rizk & El-Ghazaly are to treat flu, dysentery, to purify blood and<br />
improve <strong>the</strong> milk <strong>of</strong> nursing mo<strong>the</strong>rs. It is also used as a diabetes remedy and <strong>the</strong> sap applied to<br />
sores and used as a snake bite remedy.<br />
Photos: El Amin 12; Bat 64; Jong 342.<br />
Chamaesyce serpens (Kunth) Small<br />
Euphorbia serpens Kunth<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Dec–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Not confirmed for <strong>Qatar</strong>, but very likely to occur. Also recorded: Bahrain, E<br />
Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Likely to occur in similar habitats to C. granulata.<br />
Photos: Coll 321; Corn 122; Jong 343; West 94.<br />
Chrozophora oblongifolia (Delile) A. Juss. ex Spreng.<br />
Chrozophora verbascifolia (Willd.) A. Juss.<br />
Vernacular names: Tanoom<br />
مونط<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb or small shrub. Fl. Dec–May.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in cultivated depressions, field margins and disturbed areas<br />
in C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Chrozophora species have been traditionally used in Arabia to produce dyes. Fur<strong>the</strong>r details<br />
are given by Mandaville.<br />
Photos: Coll 302; Daoud 66; Jong 331; Pick 209; West 92.<br />
Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) Raf.<br />
Chrozophora obliqua (Vahl.) A. Juss. ex Spreng.<br />
Vernacular names: Tanoom, zerraij<br />
جيرز ,مونط<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual (occasionally perennial) herb. Fl. Apr–Jun.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in cultivated rodat, field margins and disturbed areas; C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
ةنيبل<br />
uses: Like C. oblongifolia, used to produce dyes; however for C. tinctoria Mandaville states that<br />
although long used in sou<strong>the</strong>rn Europe and <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean <strong>the</strong>re do not appear to be any<br />
records <strong>of</strong> this use in eastern Arabia.<br />
Photos: El Amin 11, 55 L ; Coll 302; Mand 135; Shuaib 85.<br />
Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from disturbed soils <strong>of</strong> rodat; C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 312.<br />
Euphorbia heterophylla L.<br />
Euphorbia geniculata Ortega<br />
EUPHORBIACEAE<br />
Vernacular names: labeinah<br />
ةنيبل<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Jan–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny as ‘common’ at Al Wabrah where naturalised,<br />
but may be more widespread now.<br />
Photos: Coll 317; Jong 336.<br />
Euphorbia peplus L.<br />
Vernacular names: petty spurge<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional as a roadside weed in Dukhan township in 2007 (JN).<br />
uses: The plant is good for asthma and catarrh; <strong>the</strong> milky juice is used to remove corns, warts and<br />
in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> cancer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stomach, liver and uterus (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Bat 64; Coll 320; Corn 122; Jong 341.<br />
Euphorbia retusa Forssk. Plate 57<br />
Euphorbia cornuta Pers.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual (occasionally perennial) herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded on a silt pan NE <strong>of</strong> Zikreet in 2007 (JN).<br />
Photos: Coll 320.<br />
Mercurialis annua L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. All year.<br />
status: Introduced. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny but no information given on status or distribution;<br />
likely to occur in damp, cultivated areas, as in o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Photos: Coll 326.<br />
36 37
EUPHORBIACEAE / FABACEAE<br />
Phyllanthus niruri L.<br />
Vernacular names: stone-breaker<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Local. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded as ‘widespread’ in gardens.<br />
uses: As its English name indicates, well-known as a cure for kidney stones and also used to treat<br />
liver diseases. Dried leaves and extracts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plant are sold commercially around <strong>the</strong> world. O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
reported uses include to aid digestion, relieve pain and to treat malaria and o<strong>the</strong>r fevers.<br />
notes: P. amarus Schumach. is closely-related and has similar uses (this is much more common as<br />
a naturalised species than P. niruri).<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Ricinus communis L.<br />
Vernacular names: castor oil plant, ’arash<br />
شارع<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Jan–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: In <strong>the</strong> Gulf generally it is widely planted in shelterbelts, but also escapes<br />
into areas around gardens and farms.<br />
uses: It is well known that <strong>the</strong> oil is extracted for medicinal uses, particularly as a laxative, and<br />
that <strong>the</strong> seeds contain a deadly poison, <strong>the</strong> alkaloid ‘ricinine’. The oil is also used in <strong>the</strong> chemical<br />
industry and as a lubricant. Ghazanfar also gives various o<strong>the</strong>r uses, including <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> bad<br />
breath, blisters, ulcers, toothache, inflamed eyes and rheumatic pain.<br />
Photos: Coll 327; Jong 346; Pick 175.<br />
FABACEAE<br />
Acacia ehrenbergiana Hayne<br />
Acacia flava (Forssk.) Schweinf.<br />
Plate 58<br />
Vernacular names: salam<br />
ملس<br />
Growth form: Shrub or tree. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in rodat and o<strong>the</strong>r sandy areas, <strong>of</strong>ten with o<strong>the</strong>r large shrubs<br />
and trees. Less less widely distributed than A. tortilis, but it is locally dominant in C and SE <strong>Qatar</strong>,<br />
especially at Al Sheehaniyah. Mandaville states that it is <strong>the</strong> commonest Acacia <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eastern<br />
Province <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia.<br />
uses: <strong>An</strong>imals graze on leaves and pods; stems are used as firewood and <strong>the</strong> species is a good<br />
sand stabiliser (El Amin). The plant has antimicrobial activity and extracts are used to produce a<br />
molluscicide to kill snails (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 13; Bat 41, 42 L ; Coll 471; Jong 423; Mand 109, 110; Pick 237.<br />
Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile<br />
Acacia arabica Willd.<br />
Vernacular names: Arabian gum tree, Sunt, jard (fruit)<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Mar–Nov.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
)ةرمث( درج ,تنص<br />
habitat & distribution: Subsp. indica is widely planted in <strong>the</strong> Gulf and presumably in <strong>Qatar</strong>; it is<br />
native to parts <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia and Oman.<br />
uses: The wood has various construction uses and can used as firewood and for producing charcoal.<br />
The bark is a source <strong>of</strong> tannin and dye. Gum Arabic is obtained from this and o<strong>the</strong>r Acacia species<br />
and used commercially as stabiliser in <strong>the</strong> food industry; also as an ingredient in o<strong>the</strong>r products<br />
such as glues, paints and cosmetics.<br />
Photos: Jong 424; Pick 239; West 69.<br />
Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne<br />
Acacia raddiana Savi; Acacia spirocarpa Hochst. ex A. Rich.<br />
Plate 59<br />
Vernacular names: samr<br />
رمس<br />
Growth form: Shrub or tree. Fl. May–Jun.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Locally dominant in sandy depressions, wadis and larger runnels, <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
preferring <strong>the</strong> slightly elevated ground at <strong>the</strong> edges <strong>of</strong> such features.<br />
uses: Grazed by livestock and used for fodder and firewood. The gum is <strong>of</strong> economic importance<br />
in some regions. The wood is used for building camel folds (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 13; Bat 41, 43 L ; Coll 476; Jong 422, 425; Mand 112, 113; Pick 236; West 69.<br />
Alhagi maurorum Medik.<br />
Alhagi camelorum Fisch.; Alhagi graecorum Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: camelthorn, ’aaqool<br />
لوقاع<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occurs in <strong>the</strong> NW <strong>of</strong> Al Khor town (MS) and seen by MAS at two locations<br />
in W <strong>Qatar</strong>. Batanouny recorded it at Abu Samrah and Umm Bab. Usually in saline or disturbed<br />
sandy soils, including farms and coastal areas.<br />
uses: Grazed by camels. The plant exudes a sugary sap that dries into ‘manna’ (Jongbloed et<br />
al. citing an earlier author). Ghazanfar states that <strong>the</strong> whole plant is used for treating cataracts,<br />
migraine, jaundice, migraine, painful joints and as an aphrodisiac.<br />
notes: The distinction between A. maurorum and A. graecorum is very slight and probably not<br />
taxonomically significant.<br />
Photos: Corn 126; Daoud 34; Jong 347; Phil 31; Shuaib 89; West 70.<br />
Argyrolobium arabicum (Decne.) Jaub. & Spach<br />
Argyrolobium abyssinicum Jaub. & Spach<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or short-lived perennial herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: ?Native. ?Rare. First published record: Obeid (1975). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: In Egypt <strong>the</strong> plant grows is sandy and rocky hillsides and in wadis (Boulos).<br />
notes: Similar to Lotus so <strong>the</strong>re may be some doubt over <strong>the</strong> identification <strong>of</strong> this record; Boulos<br />
gives <strong>the</strong> distribution as extending to Arabia, but <strong>the</strong> species is not shown in Collenette.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Astragalus annularis Forssk. Plate 60<br />
Vernacular names: Halaq<br />
قلح<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
FABACEAE<br />
38 39
FABACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in sandy depressions. Abundant in <strong>the</strong> Dukhan to<br />
Umm Bab area after rains in 2007 (JN).<br />
Photos: Coll 480; Corn 129; Daoud 25, 26; Jong 349; Mand 120; Phil 32; Shuaib 92; West 71.<br />
Astragalus corrugatus Bertol.<br />
Astragalus tenuirugis Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: Halaq, khawatim al bar<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
ربلا متاوخ ,قلح<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded in S <strong>Qatar</strong> at Al Karaanah and some areas in <strong>the</strong> north (MS).<br />
Grows in silty and sandy depressions and o<strong>the</strong>r areas with fine, shallow soils.<br />
Photos: El Amin 70 L ; Bat 44; Corn 129; Daoud 20, 21; Jong 350; Mand 122; Phil 33; Shuaib 93.<br />
Astragalus eremophilus Boiss. Plate 61<br />
Vernacular names: Halaq<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from depressions and a wadi in S <strong>Qatar</strong> near Al<br />
Karaanah and also from a sandy area in W <strong>Qatar</strong> near Umm Bab (JN).<br />
Photos: El Amin 70 L ; Bat 44; Coll 483; Jong 351; Mand 123.<br />
Astragalus hamosus L.<br />
Vernacular names: Halaq<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded from Al Wabrah.<br />
Photos: El Amin 13, 70 L ; Bat 45; Coll 484.<br />
Astragalus hauarensis Boiss.<br />
Astragalus gyzensis Delile<br />
قلح<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First record: near Umm Bab, March 2007 (S. Aspinall). Also recorded:<br />
Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Mandaville describes it as ‘perhaps <strong>the</strong> most common Astragalus <strong>of</strong> sandy<br />
habitats’, so it may occur elsewhere in sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Daoud 22, 23, 24; Jong 353; Mand 124; Shuaib 93.<br />
Vernacular names: Halaq<br />
Astragalus schimperi Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: Halaq<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded at Jebel Dukhan.<br />
Photos: Coll 486; Daoud 18, 19; Shuaib 93.<br />
قلح<br />
قلح<br />
قلح<br />
Astragalus sieberi DC.<br />
Astragalus zubairensis Eig<br />
Vernacular names: khanaSir al ’aroos<br />
Growth form: Shrublet. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
سورعلا رصانخ<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded in SW <strong>Qatar</strong>, west <strong>of</strong> Al Karaanah and Wadi Al Ireig. Recently<br />
seen in Mesameer area (MS).<br />
Photos: El Amin 14, 70 L ; Bat 45; Coll 486; Shuaib 94.<br />
Astragalus tribuloides Delile<br />
Vernacular names: rakhami<br />
40 41<br />
يماخر<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in sandy depressions and runnels; mainly C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 14, 70 L ; Bat 46; Coll 488; Corn 129; Daoud 16, 17; Jong 355; Shuaib 93.<br />
Cullen plicata (Delile) C. H. Stirt.<br />
Psoralea plicata Delile<br />
Vernacular names: Hama<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from roadside runnel at Al-Amiriyah and a<br />
protected rodah in Trainah on waste land near irrigation.<br />
uses: <strong>An</strong> infusion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leaves is drunk for respiratory and intestinal ailments and <strong>the</strong> fruits are<br />
used in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> gastric ulcers (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Bat 51; Coll 517.<br />
Hippocrepis areolata Desv.<br />
Hippocrepis bicontorta Loisel.<br />
Vernacular names: umm al qurain<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in sandy areas; especially W <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
امح<br />
نيرقلا مأ<br />
Photos: El Amin 14, 73 L ; Bat 47; Coll 498; Corn 130; Daoud 30, 31; Jong 361; Mand 131; Phil 35; Shuaib<br />
91; West 73.<br />
Hippocrepis constricta Kunze<br />
Vernacular names: qileiqlan<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
FABACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from sandy soils in rodat, but he did not give<br />
details <strong>of</strong> abundance.<br />
Photos: El Amin 73 L ; Bat 48; Coll 498; Jong 362; West 74.<br />
نلاقيلق
FABACEAE<br />
Hippocrepis multisiliquosa L.<br />
Vernacular names: qileiqlan<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Depressions and runnels.<br />
Photos: El Amin 14, 73 L ; Bat 48.<br />
Hippocrepis unisiliquosa L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Batanouny recorded as ‘fairly common’ in depressions, but it is not<br />
mentioned by El Amin; Mandaville states that it appears to be very rare in Saudi Arabia.<br />
Photos: Coll 499; Jong 363.<br />
Hymenocarpos circinnatus (L.) Savi<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from Jebel Al Wakra.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Indig<strong>of</strong>era intricata Boiss. Plate 62<br />
Vernacular names: Hameira<br />
ةريمح<br />
Growth form: Shrublet. Fl. Jan–Jun.<br />
status: Native. Common. First published record: Mandaville (1990, p.181). Also recorded: E Saudi<br />
Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy habitats. It appears to be relatively frequent in<br />
western coastal areas (JN, SAM) and is also common across a large part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE (Jongbloed et al.).<br />
uses: The roots and leaves are used as a tonic (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
notes: Probably mis-named as I. articulata Gouan by earlier authors.<br />
Photos: El Amin 15; Bat 49; Jong 367; Pick 66.<br />
Indig<strong>of</strong>era oblongifolia Forssk.<br />
Growth form: Shrublet. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: ?Introduced. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Abdel Bari found this species near Doha central market, suggesting that<br />
it has been introduced by human activity.<br />
uses: Ghazanfar states <strong>the</strong> roots are used for an analgesic and as an anti-inflammatory; leaves are<br />
used as a hair wash.<br />
Photos: Jong 369; West 75.<br />
Lathyrus inconspicuus L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. First record: SW <strong>Qatar</strong>, March 2007 (S. Aspinall). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
نلاقيلق<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> crops such as chick-pea, so <strong>the</strong> record may refer to a plant that<br />
had escaped from a cultivated area. Not recorded elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> Gulf and possibly not from <strong>the</strong><br />
Arabian Peninsula, but known from <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean region.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Lotononis platycarpa (Viv.) Pic.Serm.<br />
Lotononis dichotoma (Delile) Boiss.; Lotus platycarpa Viv.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy habitats in S <strong>Qatar</strong>. Previously also recorded from Al<br />
Wakra and Wadi Al Banat.<br />
Photos: El Amin 15, 76 L ; Bat 53; Coll 506; Jong 370; Mand 114.<br />
Lotus garcinii DC.<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Dec–Jun.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A species <strong>of</strong> coastal, slightly saline sand. Recorded from NW <strong>Qatar</strong> by<br />
Batanouny.<br />
Photos: Coll 507; Corn 133; Jong 371; Pick 67; West 76.<br />
Lotus glinoides Delile<br />
Lotus schimperi Steud. ex Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: Hawrbeith<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy areas; W and S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
42 43<br />
ثيبروح<br />
notes: L. glinoides and L. schimperi were formerly regarded as distinct species, and are probably best<br />
amalgamated, but not all authors agree.<br />
Photos: Coll 507; Jong 372; West 76.<br />
Lotus halophilus Boiss. & Spruner Plate 63<br />
Lotus pusillus Viv.; Lotus villosus Forssk., non Burm. f.<br />
لازغلا نرق ,ثيبروح<br />
Vernacular names: gazelle’s horn, Hawrbeith, qarn al ghazal<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Abundant in sandy habitats, especially after winter rains. Depressions in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Dukhan area in 2007 turned green with this species. May be less common in E <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Grazed by sheep and goats (El Amin). Due to its abundance and presumed high protein<br />
content <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pods this species would presumably have been an important seasonal grazing species<br />
in <strong>the</strong> region.<br />
Photos: El Amin 76 L ; Coll 508; Corn 133; Daoud 14, 15; Jong 373; Phil 36; Shuaib 91.<br />
Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill.<br />
Medicago aschersoniana Urb.<br />
Vernacular names: medick, nafal, jut bari, barseem bari, abu Hassak<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
FABACEAE<br />
كسح وبأ ,يرب ميسرب ,يرب تج ,لفن
FABACEAE<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in sandy habitats.<br />
uses: Said to be ‘palatable grazing’ by Batanouny, although El Amin says it is grazed by animals<br />
but not much liked because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bristly fruit.<br />
notes: A very variable species that was formerly separated into two species or varieties (see<br />
Mandaville).<br />
Photos: El Amin 78 L ; Bat 50; Coll 509; Corn 134; Daoud 10, 11; Jong 374; Mand 117; Phil 37; Shuaib 89;<br />
West 77.<br />
Medicago polymorpha L.<br />
Vernacular names: nafal, jut bari<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in rodat in C <strong>Qatar</strong> and in gardens.<br />
Photos: Coll 511.<br />
Medicago sativa L.<br />
Vernacular names: alfalfa, lucerne, burseem, jatt<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. May–Jul.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Common. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: May occur as an escape from cultivation.<br />
يرب ميسرب ,يرب تج<br />
تج ,ميسرب<br />
uses: This is a very common and widely grown fodder crop throughout <strong>the</strong> Arabian peninsula.<br />
Ghazanfar states <strong>the</strong> leaves are used to treat bruises, fractures and to stop nose-bleeds. Seeds are<br />
used as an aphrodisiac.<br />
Photos: Bat 50.<br />
Melilotus albus Medik.<br />
Vernacular names: sweet clover, Handaquq, nafal<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in irrigated places, including gardens.<br />
لفن ,قوقدنح<br />
uses: Grazed by animals (El Amin), but widely known to have toxic effects on livestock. Used to<br />
treat rheumatic pain and various o<strong>the</strong>r medical conditions and has narcotic action (Jongbloed et<br />
al., Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 80 L ; Bat 50; Coll 512; Jong 375.<br />
Melilotus indicus (L.) All.<br />
Vernacular names: scented trefoil, indian melilot, Handaquq, nafal<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in irrigated places, including gardens.<br />
لفن ,قوقدنح<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly list various medicinal uses including treatment <strong>of</strong> rashes, abdominal<br />
cramps and genital diseases.<br />
Photos: El Amin 15; Coll 512; Corn 134; Daoud 12, 13; Jong 376; Mand 118; Phil 38; Pick 128; Shuaib 89;<br />
West 77.<br />
Ononis reclinata L.<br />
Vernacular names: small restharrow<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Reported as rare by Batanouny and seen only once recently near Jebel<br />
Dukhan (JN).<br />
Photos: Coll 514.<br />
Ononis sicula Guss.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from sandy soils in cultivated rodat.<br />
Photos: Coll 515; Jong 378.<br />
Parkinsonia aculeata L.<br />
Vernacular names: ’aqrab<br />
برقع<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Presumably widespread in urban areas.<br />
uses: Planted as an ornamental tree, for erosion control and a source <strong>of</strong> firewood and charcoal.<br />
Photos: Bat 16.<br />
Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce Plate 64<br />
فاغ<br />
Vernacular names: ghaf<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. May–Aug.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A survey by MS confirmed that <strong>the</strong>re are two main areas <strong>of</strong> distribution in<br />
C and N <strong>Qatar</strong>. At <strong>the</strong> ‘Al Ghafat’ area at Rawdat Rashed <strong>the</strong>re are eight trees and at <strong>the</strong> ‘Al Ghaf ’<br />
area near Medinat Al Shamal <strong>the</strong>re are 13 trees. All are mature specimens, which according to Abdel<br />
Bari et al. (2007) have an estimated age <strong>of</strong> 90-150 years or more. Over <strong>the</strong> country as a whole <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are likely to be no more than 50 native trees surviving. No young or regenerating trees have been<br />
seen and it is clear that <strong>the</strong> species is declining. <strong>Qatar</strong> lies at <strong>the</strong> western edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> species in <strong>the</strong> Gulf, with <strong>the</strong> main native range centred on Dubai (where <strong>the</strong> species is also under<br />
threat from habitat destruction) and <strong>the</strong> eastern Emirates, extending into Oman. It only just reaches<br />
Saudi Arabia at <strong>the</strong> edges <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rub’ Al Khali (Mandaville). Worldwide it occurs in <strong>the</strong> deserts <strong>of</strong><br />
nor<strong>the</strong>rn India, parts <strong>of</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. It is also planted in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: A very important tree in <strong>the</strong> Arabian Gulf. Bedouin used to eat young leaves and seed pods,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y are also consumed by animals. The tree provides good firewood and is used in afforestation<br />
projects (El Amin). Many medicinal uses are recorded (see also under P. juliflora).<br />
Photos: Jong 426, 427; Pick 241; West 78.<br />
Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Plate 65<br />
فيوغ<br />
Vernacular names: mesquite, ghuweif<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Oct–Jan, Mar–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
FABACEAE<br />
44 45
FABACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to abundant or dominant in sandy areas, disturbed habitats<br />
and cultivated areas. Originally planted in and around towns and villages but now naturalised and<br />
has spread into desert areas. Several authors note that it is an invasive species and may compete<br />
with native trees. Many municipalities in <strong>the</strong> region have tried to eradicate <strong>the</strong> species with poison,<br />
burning and uprooting, but this is unlikely to be effective since it is now well established in various<br />
habitats and produces large quantities <strong>of</strong> seeds (see also Uses). A prominent individual specimen<br />
stands on <strong>the</strong> island in Doha Bay, formerly known as Palm Tree Island. Since August 2005 it has<br />
not been irrigated but seemingly survives in good condition.<br />
uses: Jongbloed et al. note that <strong>the</strong> ‘pods are nutritious and valuable as fodder’, although Cornes<br />
& Cornes say that <strong>the</strong> foliage is apparently unpalatable as it is never browsed. This species may<br />
be best managed by using for charcoal production, which would have environmental benefits by<br />
reducing <strong>the</strong> need to import charcoal originating from tropical sources. There have been claims<br />
that <strong>the</strong> species causes allergies, but <strong>the</strong>re seems to be a lack <strong>of</strong> substantial scientific evidence for<br />
this. The plant is a traditional remedy for catarrh, colds, dysentery, inflammation, stomach-ache,<br />
sore throats and wounds; <strong>the</strong> root has diuretic properties (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 516; Corn 14, 30, 38; Jong 429; Phil 30 L ; Pick 242.<br />
Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC.<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from Al Magdah, N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Rizk & Ghazaly report that it used in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> skin diseases.<br />
Photos: Coll 519; Jong 381.<br />
Scorpiurus muricatus L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: ?Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from cultivated rodat in N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: ‘Good fodder’ (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Bat 52; Coll 522; Shuaib 89; West 80.<br />
Senna alexandrina Mill.<br />
Cassia senna L.<br />
Vernacular names: senna makki, helul<br />
لولح ,يكم ةنس<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar–Dec.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Local. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A garden weed.<br />
uses: Leaves are used for constipation and stomach cramps (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: Jong 382.<br />
Senna italica Mill. Plate 66<br />
Cassia italica (Mill.) Spreng.; Cassia obovata Collad.<br />
لولح ,ةنس ,قرشع<br />
Vernacular names: senna, ’ishriq, senna, helul<br />
Growth form: Shrublet or small shrub. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional, particularly on more compacted soils on gravelly and rocky<br />
areas, and also in disturbed areas near to habitation.<br />
uses: Grazed by sheep and goats (El Amin), but Mandaville remarks that some bedouin consider<br />
it toxic to livestock. It is used as a ‘purgative and stimulant and sold in markets for that use’<br />
(Batanouny), but Mandaville says (<strong>of</strong> eastern Arabia) that <strong>the</strong>re is ‘apparently no record <strong>of</strong> such<br />
medicinal use’. Ghazanfar also notes that <strong>the</strong> leaves and seeds are used to treat constipation and<br />
stomach cramps.<br />
Photos: El Amin 12; Bat 47; Coll 523; Corn 1, 39, 125; Jong 383; Mand 105, 106; Phil 34; West 72.<br />
Senna occidentalis (L.) Link<br />
Cassia occidentalis L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or short-lived perennial herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Local. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: Kuwait.<br />
habitat & distribution: A garden weed.<br />
Photos: Coll 524.<br />
Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.<br />
Sesbania aegyptiaca (Poir.) Pers.<br />
Vernacular names: sesban<br />
Growth form: Shrub or tree. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Likely to be found planted or naturalised under shade <strong>of</strong> trees along<br />
roadsides or in date plantations. Mandaville comments that in eastern Saudi Arabia it is selfpropogating<br />
in <strong>the</strong> larger oases.<br />
uses: Eaten by man and used for animal fodder; planted for ornamental use and as a soil improver;<br />
saline-tolerant. A species <strong>of</strong> high economic importance in some countries. Leaves are used to treat<br />
skin rashes and wounds (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Taverniera aegyptiaca Boiss.<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb or small shrub. Fl. Mar-Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain.<br />
habitat & distribution: ‘Long runnels dissecting <strong>the</strong> Miocene country in S <strong>Qatar</strong>’ (Batanouny).<br />
notes: There is some confusion over <strong>the</strong> recording <strong>of</strong> this and <strong>the</strong> next species. Most Gulf floras<br />
only record T. spartea; <strong>the</strong> two are similar in appearance and so Batanouny’s identification may be<br />
in doubt.<br />
Photos: Bat 52; Coll 525; Corn 137; Phil 42.<br />
Taverniera spartea (Burm. f.) DC.<br />
Taverniera aegyptiaca Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: ’aelijaan, dahseer<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
FABACEAE<br />
46 47<br />
ريسهد ,ناجلع<br />
habitat & distribution: Mainly in NE <strong>Qatar</strong>, where locally frequent on more compact soils. Wellgrown<br />
bushes occur at Ras Laffan Industrial City (JN) and <strong>the</strong> species is also found at Al Dhakira,<br />
Fuwairit and Simaismah (MS).<br />
Notes: See under T. aegyptiaca. Plants in <strong>the</strong> NE are presumed to be this species, but have not been<br />
collected or confirmed by an expert.<br />
Photos: Coll 527; Jong 385; Mand 133; West 81.
FABACEAE<br />
Trifolium resupinatum L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> irrigated farmland.<br />
uses: Used as fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: West 82.<br />
Trigonella anguina Delile<br />
Vernacular names: nafal<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional or frequent in silty depressions; mainly N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Noted as palatable to livestock by Batanouny and El Amin.<br />
Photos: El Amin 84 L ; Bat 53; Coll 532; Daoud 8, 9; Shuaib 90.<br />
Trigonella glabra Thunb.<br />
Trigonella hamosa L., nom. rej.<br />
Vernacular names: Egyptian fenugreek, nafal, quTeifah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent or abundant in farms and gardens.<br />
uses: Used as fodder (El Amin). Eaten raw by bedouin as a salad herb (Mandaville).<br />
Photos: El Amin 15, 84 L ; Bat 53; Coll 533; Corn 138; Daoud 4, 5; Jong 390; Shuaib 90; West 83.<br />
Trigonella monantha C.A. Mey.<br />
Vernacular names: nafal<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Cultivated rodat in C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
48<br />
لفن<br />
ةفيطق ,لفن<br />
Trigonella stellata Forssk. Plate 67<br />
Vernacular names: star fenugreek, nafal, quTeifah, Hilba bariyah<br />
ةيرب ةبلح ,ةفيطق ,لفن<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in wadis, runnels, depressions and o<strong>the</strong>r sandy areas.<br />
uses: Batanouny notes that it is palatable to sheep & goats, but Mandaville states that excessive<br />
grazing is reported to cause bloat in livestock. Used by Shammar bedouin women as sweet-scented<br />
hairdressing (Mandaville quoting Dickson 1955).<br />
Photos: El Amin 84 L ; Bat 54; Coll 533; Corn 138; Daoud 6, 7; Jong 391; Mand 116; Phil 43; Shuaib 90.<br />
Vicia monantha Retz.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: ?Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
لفن<br />
PLATES<br />
1: Avicennia marina 2: Blepharis ciliaris<br />
3: Ophioglossum polyphyllum 4: Avicennia marina 5: Mesembryan<strong>the</strong>mum<br />
cryptanthum<br />
6: Aizoon canariense<br />
7: Mesembryan<strong>the</strong>mum nodiflorum
8: Calotropis procera<br />
9: Glossonema varians<br />
10: Glossonema varians 11: Leptadenia pyrotechnica 12: Filago desertorum<br />
13: Aaronsohnia factorovskyi 14: Atractylis carduus<br />
15: Centaurea sinaica<br />
17: Gymnarrhena micrantha<br />
20: Reichardia tingitana<br />
18: Ifloga spicata<br />
16: Pulicaria undulata<br />
21: Rhanterium epapposum<br />
19: Koelpinia linearis
22: Arnebia hispidissima 23: Echiocaulon jugatum<br />
24: <strong>An</strong>chusa hispida<br />
25: Heliotropium bacciferum 26: Ogastemma pusillum<br />
27: Moltkiopsis ciliata 28: <strong>An</strong>astatica hierochuntica<br />
29: <strong>An</strong>astatica hierochuntica 30: Eremobium aegyptiacum 31: Farsetia heliophila<br />
32: Savignya parviflora 33: Dipterygium glaucum<br />
35: Paronychia arabica<br />
34: Herniaria hemistemon<br />
36: Polycarpaea repens 37: Spergula fallax
38: Sclerocephalus arabicus 39: Silene villosa<br />
40: <strong>An</strong>abasis setifera<br />
41: Atriplex leucoclada 42: Halopeplis perfoliata<br />
43: Agriophyllum minus 44: Haloxylon salicornicum<br />
45: Salicornia europaea 46: Salsola sp.<br />
47: Seidlitzia rosmarinus<br />
50: Helian<strong>the</strong>mum kahiricum<br />
48: Suaeda aegyptiaca 49: Suaeda vermiculata<br />
51: Helian<strong>the</strong>mum lippii
52: Convolvulus cephalopodus<br />
54: Citrullus colocynthis<br />
56: <strong>An</strong>drachne telephioides<br />
53: Convolvulus pilosellifolius 58: Acacia ehrenbergiana 59: Acacia tortilis<br />
55: Cynomorium coccineum<br />
57: Euphorbia retusa<br />
60: Astragalus annularis 61: Astragalus eremophilus<br />
62: Indig<strong>of</strong>era intricata 63: Lotus halophilus
64: Prosopis cineraria<br />
68: Erodium glaucophyllum<br />
65: Prosopis juliflora<br />
66: Senna italica 67: Trigonella stellata<br />
69: Erodium laciniatum 70: Salvia aegyptiaca<br />
71: Frankenia pulverulenta 72: Monsonia nivea<br />
73: Teucrium polium<br />
75: Neurada procumbens<br />
74: Cocculus pendulus<br />
76: Cistanche tubulosa
77: Plantago ciliata<br />
78: Emex spinosa<br />
79: Limonium axillare 80: Scrophularia deserti 81: Fagonia indica<br />
82: Rumex vesicarius 83: Ziziphus nummularia<br />
84: Lycium shawii 85: Corchorus depressus<br />
86: Fagonia ovalifolia 87: Seetzenia lanata 88: Tetraena qatarensis<br />
89: Tetraena simplex 90: Phoenix dactylifera
91: Cyperus conglomeratus<br />
93: Dipcadi erythraeum<br />
95: Chrysopogon plumulosus<br />
92: Cenchrus ciliaris<br />
94: Dipcadi erythraeum<br />
96: Cutandia memphitica<br />
97: Dichanthium foveolatum 98: Stipa capensis (left) and Lasiurus scindicus<br />
99: Aeluropus lagopoides 100: Centropodia forsskalii 101: Chrysopogon plumulosus<br />
102: Lasiurus scindicus 103: Ochthochloa compressa
104: Panicum turgidum 105: Pennisetum divisum<br />
106: Polypogon monspeliensis 107: Sporobolus ioclados 108: Stipa capensis<br />
109: Schismus arabicus<br />
110: Stipagrostis plumosa<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded as a weed <strong>of</strong> irrigated land.<br />
Photos: Coll 534; West 83.<br />
FRANKENIACEAE<br />
Frankenia pulverulenta L. Plate 71<br />
Vernacular names: moleiH<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to abundant on saline ground, including cultivated areas and<br />
coastal sand.<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly report it to be used as a diuretic.<br />
Photos: El Amin 58 L ; Bat 73; Coll 329; Corn 113; Daoud 41, 42, 43; Jong 393, 394; Phil 163; Shuaib 87;<br />
West 103.<br />
GENTIANACEAE<br />
Centaurium pulchellum (Sw.) Druce<br />
Erythraea pulchella (Sw.) Fries<br />
Vernacular names: lesser centaury<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny in Al Wabrah. Regarded mainly as a naturalised<br />
weed in Arabia.<br />
uses: Various medicinal uses are reported by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Coll 330; Corn 166; Jong 396; Mand 153; Phil 89; West 110.<br />
Enicostema verticillatum (L.) Engl. ex Gilg<br />
Enicostema axillare (Lam.) A. Raynal comb. illeg.<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from <strong>Qatar</strong> University car park.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
GERANIACEAE<br />
FABACEAE / FRANKENIACEAE / GENTIANACEAE / GERANIACEAE<br />
Erodium glaucophyllum (L.) L’Hér. Plate 68<br />
Vernacular names: kebaisha, timmair<br />
ريمت ,ةشيبك<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in gypsum desert, shallow or compacted silty soils. Particularly<br />
numerous at Dukhan (JN); also recorded Ras Laffan (JN), Al Wakra, Al Karaanah (earlier authors).<br />
uses: El Amin notes that it is grazed by animals, although Mandaville says that some bedouin report<br />
that overgrazing on this species can lead to bloat.<br />
Photos: Bat 55; Coll 332; Corn 146; Daoud 227; Mand 149; Phil 90, 91; Shuaib 72.<br />
حيلم<br />
49
GERANIACEAE / LAMIACEAE<br />
Erodium laciniatum (Cav.) Willd. Plate 69<br />
Erodium pulverulentum (Cav.) Willd.<br />
Vernacular names: cut-leaved crane’s-bill, Hambaz, qarnwah<br />
ةونرق ,زابمح<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant in sandy and silty depressions; mainly C and N<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Bat 55; Coll 333; Corn 149; Daoud 23, 232, 233; Jong 397; Phil 92; Shuaib 72.<br />
Erodium oxyrrhynchum M. Bieb.<br />
Erodium bryoniifolium Boiss.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual (occasionally perennial) herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from rodat in N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 335; Daoud 228, 229.<br />
Geranium molle L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in N and S <strong>Qatar</strong> in rodat and gardens, usually in shade <strong>of</strong><br />
trees.<br />
Photos: Bat 56; Coll 337.<br />
Monsonia heliotropioides (Cav.) Boiss.<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Feb–May.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Reported by Batanouny as common; S and W <strong>Qatar</strong>. El Amin also states<br />
that it occurs at Al Wakra, Al Karaanah and Mekainis.<br />
Photos: Bat 56; Coll 338.<br />
Monsonia nivea (Decne.) Webb Plate 72<br />
Vernacular names: qarnow, dahmah<br />
ةمهد ,ونرق<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent on gravel and stone plains, compacted sand sheets and similar<br />
habitats.<br />
uses: El Amin mentions that some local people boil it to cure fevers.<br />
Photos: Bat 56; Coll 339; Corn 149; Daoud 235; Jong 399; Phil 93; Shuaib 72; West 86.<br />
LAMIACEAE<br />
Salvia aegyptiaca L. Plate 70<br />
Vernacular names: na’aim/na’eem, ra’al<br />
Growth form: Shrublet or small shrub. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
لعر ,ميعن<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in shallow silty or sandy soils, in rocky areas, also in depressions<br />
with coarse soils.<br />
uses: The plant is used in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, haemorrhoids and eye diseases<br />
(Rizk & El-Ghazaly, Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 12; Bat 87; Coll 460; Corn 199; Daoud 248; Jong 405; Phil 137; Pick 32; West 127.<br />
Teucrium polium L. Plate 73<br />
Vernacular names: ja’ad/yaad<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Stony runnels and silty soils; C and N <strong>Qatar</strong>. Occasional at Ras Laffan<br />
(JN) and mentioned for Jebel Fuwairit by earlier authors.<br />
uses: Many reputed medicinal uses, e.g. for fevers and cholera (El Amin), malaria and insect bites<br />
(Jongbloed et al., Mandaville). O<strong>the</strong>r medicinal uses are listed by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: El Amin 12, 64 L ; Bat 88, 89 L ; Coll 467; Corn 200; Daoud 244; Mand 176; Phil 138; Shuaib 69.<br />
LINACEAE<br />
Linum strictum L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from ‘C <strong>Qatar</strong>, Wakra hills’ (presumably Jebel Al<br />
Wakra, E <strong>Qatar</strong>). Habitat is given as light soils on depressions.<br />
uses: The seeds yield an oil similar to linseed oil (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 87 L .<br />
LORANTHACEAE<br />
Plicosepalus acaciae (Zucc.) Wiens & Polhill<br />
Loranthus acaciae Zucc.<br />
لدح<br />
Growth form: Climbing, parasitic shrub. Fl. Sep–Oct.<br />
status: Native. Local. First record: Al-Madheed (2004). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional, growing on Acacia and Lycium shawii; especially rodat in C &<br />
N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Pick 70.<br />
Vernacular names: Hadal<br />
LYTHRACEAE<br />
Lawsonia inermis L.<br />
Lawsonia alba Lam.<br />
Vernacular names: henna, Henna/Hinna<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Sep–Feb.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
LAMIACEAE / LINACEAE / LORANTHACEAE / LyTHRACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Planted in urban areas in <strong>the</strong> Gulf, but distribution in <strong>Qatar</strong> uncertain.<br />
50 51<br />
دعج<br />
انح
LyTHRACEAE / MALVACEAE<br />
uses: Widely used in <strong>the</strong> Middle East as a dye for painting hands and feet and worldwide for colouring<br />
hair and beards. The leaves are used for fevers, as a local anaes<strong>the</strong>tic and anti-inflammatory and for<br />
treating mouth ulcers (Ghazanfar). Jongbloed et al. remark that it is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> traditional ‘plants<br />
<strong>of</strong> paradise’ which should not be cut for fuel.<br />
Photos: Bat 16; Jong 441; Pick 179.<br />
MALVACEAE<br />
Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Perr.<br />
Vernacular names: lowaq, ja’ja’an<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Jan–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Local. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in rodat; C and N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Bat 70; Coll 549; Ghaz 129.<br />
Abutilon pannosum (G. Forst.) Schltdl.<br />
Vernacular names: lowaq<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Apr–Jun.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional on rodat in C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
ناعجعج ,قاول<br />
notes: Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) Sweet is listed as a synonym by Jongbloed, though usually regarded<br />
as a separate species.<br />
Photos: Bat 70; Coll 551; Jong 413; Pick 132; West 99.<br />
Althaea ludwigii L.<br />
Vernacular names: khatma<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in silty, loamy and gravelly soils; mainly in depressions in C<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 89 L ; Bat 69; Coll 552; Daoud 52; Jong 414; Shuaib 56.<br />
Malva nicaeensis All.<br />
Vernacular names: khubeizah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded only once by Batanouny from a nor<strong>the</strong>rn farm.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Malva parviflora L.<br />
Vernacular names: least mallow, cheeseweed, khubeizah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in sandy soils after rains; is more common in and<br />
around inhabited and cultivated areas.<br />
قاول<br />
ةمتخ<br />
هزيبخ<br />
هزيبخ<br />
uses: Mandaville quotes earlier authors who reported that <strong>the</strong> leaves are eaten as a vegetable by<br />
Persians in Kuwait. Phillips notes that <strong>the</strong> leaves were used in <strong>the</strong> past to treat coughs and bladder<br />
complaints. Rizk & El-Ghazaly list a number <strong>of</strong> medicinal uses and state that <strong>the</strong> plant is poisonous<br />
to cattle and horses. Ghazanfar reports that <strong>the</strong> seeds and leaves are also used to treat fevers and<br />
ulcers.<br />
Photos: El Amin 16; Coll 557; Corn 117; Daoud 50, 51; Jong xix, 416; Phil 129; Pick 181; Shuaib 56; West<br />
100.<br />
MENISPERMACEAE<br />
Cocculus pendulus (J.R. & G. Forst.) Diels Plate 74<br />
قينخ<br />
Vernacular names: khuneeq<br />
Growth form: Climber. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from Al Karaanah and Al Kharrarah. Still at <strong>the</strong> latter location,<br />
and also present at <strong>Qatar</strong> University campus (MS). Usually grows over Ziziphus or Acacia trees.<br />
uses: Fruit edible (El Amin). Used in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> fevers (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 16; Bat 40; Coll 563; Ghaz 8, 9; Jong 421; West 55, 56.<br />
MOLLUGINACEAE<br />
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser.<br />
Vernacular names: carpetweed<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded by Batanouny from farmed rodat in N and C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: A number <strong>of</strong> medicinal properties are listed by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Coll 565.<br />
MORACEAE<br />
Ficus carica L.<br />
Vernacular names: fig, teen<br />
نيت<br />
Growth form: Shrub or tree. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> more widely planted fig species. It may occasionally escape<br />
into <strong>the</strong> wild.<br />
uses: Grown for fruit and as an ornamental plant.<br />
Photos: Ghaz 16; West 31.<br />
Morus nigra L.<br />
MALVACEAE / MENISPERMACEAE / MOLLUGINACEAE / MORACEAE<br />
Vernacular names: black mulberry<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Present distribution in <strong>Qatar</strong> not known but widespread in <strong>the</strong> Gulf.<br />
uses: Ornamental planting.<br />
Photos: none.<br />
52 53
MyRSINACEAE / NEURADACEAE / OROBANCHACEAE<br />
MYRSINACEAE<br />
<strong>An</strong>agallis arvensis L.<br />
Vernacular names: ’ayn al qaT (cat’s-eye), ’uwaynah (little eye)<br />
ةنيوع ،طقلا نيع<br />
blue/scarlet pimpernel<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in cultivated areas and rodat with trees, particularly in N and<br />
NW <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Ghazanfar reports <strong>the</strong> whole plant is used to treat skin rash and ulcers.<br />
notes: Formerly placed in <strong>the</strong> Primulaceae. The blue-flowered form, currently known as A. arvensis<br />
subsp. foemina Mill., appears to be <strong>the</strong> usual form in <strong>Qatar</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf, but <strong>the</strong><br />
scarlet-flowered form has also been reported.<br />
Photos: Bat 75; Coll 621; Daoud 195; Ghaz 209-10; Jong 473; Mand 103; Phil 157, 158; Pick 35; Shuaib<br />
56; West 108.<br />
NEURADACEAE<br />
Neurada procumbens L. Plate 75<br />
Vernacular names: creeping thorn rose, sa’adan<br />
ناديعس<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in shallow or deep sand; mainly S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: It is well known that <strong>the</strong> seed pods embed <strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong> hooves <strong>of</strong> livestock and can cause<br />
lameness. El Amin states that <strong>the</strong> fruit is ‘edible by man and loved by many animals’ and Mandaville<br />
that <strong>the</strong> fruit is ‘not unpleasant… plucked well before <strong>the</strong>y begin to harden’.<br />
Photos: El Amin 17; Bat 40; Coll 573; Daoud 1; Jong 438; Mand 104; Phil 147; Shuaib 105; West 68.<br />
OROBANCHACEAE<br />
Cistanche tubulosa (Schrenk) Wight Plate 76<br />
Cistanche lutea Wight; Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout.; Cistanche tinctoria (Forssk.) G. Beck.<br />
ثوترط ,نونذ<br />
Vernacular names: desert hyacinth, dhanoon, Tartuth<br />
Growth form: Parasitic herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Mainly in coastal areas, including coastal sands along beaches, where<br />
occasional or forming small clumps. Host plants include Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Cornulaca<br />
spp, Limonium axillare, Suaeda vermiculata and Tetraena qatarensis.<br />
uses: ‘Said to be poisonous’ (El Amin). Rizk & El-Ghazaly describe its use as an aphrodisiac, and a<br />
tonic to cure impotence and diarrhoea.<br />
notes: C. phelypaea is here combined with C. tubulosa; but it is possible that <strong>the</strong>y are distinct but<br />
closely-related species and that both occur in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 17; Bat 93; Coll 586; Corn 40, 186; Daoud 22, 224, 225; Jong 444; Mand 189, 190; Phil<br />
54, 55; Pick 140; Shuaib 52; West 135.<br />
Orobanche ramosa L.<br />
Vernacular names: hemp broomrape, branched broomrape<br />
Growth form: Parasitic herb. Fl. Mar.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: Kuwait.<br />
habitat & distribution: A parasite on Solanum nigrum.<br />
Photos: Pick 36; Shuaib 53.<br />
OxALIDACEAE<br />
Oxalis corniculata L.<br />
Vernacular names: creeping sorrel, Hamd/muHummad<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr–Jun.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> lawns and gardens in Doha.<br />
54 55<br />
دمحم/دمح<br />
uses: The plant has numerous medicinal uses, including <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> bruises, clots, fever, snake<br />
bite and infections (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 591; Jong 447; Pick 133; Shuaib 73.<br />
Oxalis debilis Kunth<br />
Oxalis corymbosa DC.<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded as a weed <strong>of</strong> gardens.<br />
notes: Plants recorded in <strong>Qatar</strong> are probably referable to var. corymbosa (DC.) Lourteig.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Oxalis pes-caprae L.<br />
Oxalis cernua Thunb.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Cultivated areas, C and N <strong>Qatar</strong>. A weed <strong>of</strong> garden origin.<br />
uses: ‘Leaves eaten in Iran in stews but bitter in taste’ (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Bat 55.<br />
PLANTAGINACEAE<br />
Plantago amplexicaulis Cav.<br />
OROBANCHACEAE / OxALIDACEAE / PLANTAGINACEAE<br />
Vernacular names: rabl, rablat al mistaH<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in silty and sandy depressions in C and N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: The plant has various medicinal properties.<br />
Photos: El Amin 94 L ; Bat 94; Coll 601; Daoud 197; Jong 452; Shuaib 103.<br />
حطسملا ةلبر ,لبر
PLANTAGINACEAE<br />
Plantago ciliata Desf. Plate 77<br />
Vernacular names: rabl, lisan al Hamal, quraiTah, wedaina<br />
ةنيدو ,ةطيرق ,لمحلا ناسل ,لبر<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Only a single plant was found during a survey <strong>of</strong> western <strong>Qatar</strong> in 2007<br />
(JN and S. Aspinall). Batanouny recorded it as ‘fairly common especially in sandy habitats in S<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>’.<br />
Photos: El Amin 17; Bat 94; Coll 602; Daoud 201; Jong 454; Shuaib 103; West 137.<br />
Plantago coronopus L.<br />
Vernacular names: buck’s-horn plantain, rabl, wedaina<br />
ةنيدو ,لبر<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded from Dukhan; recorded twice recently in W <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: The roots are used to treat haemorrhoids, malaria and fevers; <strong>the</strong> leaves are locally applied<br />
to wounds, burns, abscesses, bites and inflammations (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
notes: A specimen collected from western <strong>Qatar</strong> (JN, 2007) was determined by E. Clement as<br />
Plantago commutata Guss. (P. coronopus subsp. commutata (Guss.) Pilg.).<br />
Photos: Coll 602; Daoud 196; Phil 155; Shuaib 104.<br />
Plantago lanceolata L.<br />
Vernacular names: rabl<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in cultivated areas in C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Medicinal uses are described by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Coll 603; Shuaib 104.<br />
Plantago ovata Forssk.<br />
Vernacular names: rabl<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy habitats; S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Seeds reportedly have been used by bedouin as a laxative (Mandaville). Rizk & El-Ghazaly<br />
report many medicinal uses and Ghazanfar that <strong>the</strong> seeds are used as an astringent, a diuretic and<br />
for treating venereal disease.<br />
Photos: El Amin 94 L ; Coll 604; Daoud 199; Jong 455; Mand 184; Shuaib 104; West 137.<br />
Plantago psyllium L.<br />
Vernacular names: rabl<br />
لبر<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded on <strong>the</strong> road from Doha to N <strong>Qatar</strong> near Umm Slal Mohammed<br />
by Batanouny.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
لبر<br />
لبر<br />
PLUMBAGINACEAE<br />
Limonium axillare (Forssk.) Kuntze Plate 79<br />
Statice axillaris Forssk.<br />
فطق<br />
Vernacular names: sea lavender, qaTaf<br />
Growth form: Small shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to dominant on beaches, sabkha edge and o<strong>the</strong>r saline habitats<br />
around <strong>the</strong> coasts.<br />
uses: Ghazanfar states <strong>the</strong> whole plant is used against diarrhoea and as an astringent.<br />
notes: The related species Limonium carnosum (Boiss.) Kuntze is recorded from Kuwait, Saudi<br />
Arabia, UAE and doubtfully Oman (Ghazanfar 2003), and is <strong>the</strong>refore quite likely to occur in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 17; Bat 76; Coll 605; Corn 94; Ghaz 93; Jong 457; Mand 61; Phil 20, 164; Pick 76; West 109.<br />
POLYGALACEAE<br />
Polygala erioptera DC.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy areas and rodat in C <strong>Qatar</strong> including Dukhan area<br />
and Al Wakra.<br />
uses: Jongbloed et al. state that <strong>the</strong> generic name comes from <strong>the</strong> belief that ‘animals feeding on<br />
<strong>the</strong>se species would produce more milk’.<br />
Photos: El Amin 97 L ; Bat 65; Coll 607; Jong 459; West 96.<br />
Polygala irregularis Boiss.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Reported by earlier authors as common, especially in NE <strong>Qatar</strong> on sandy<br />
or gravelly soils.<br />
Photos: Coll 608; Jong 460.<br />
POLYGONACEAE<br />
PLUMBAGINACEAE / POLyGALACEAE / POLyGONACEAE<br />
Calligonum comosum L’Hér.<br />
Calligonum polygonoides subsp. comosum (L’Hér.) Soskov<br />
Vernacular names: abal, arta<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from a sand dune near Umm Bab.<br />
uses: ‘The fruits are edible and freshen <strong>the</strong> mouth with <strong>the</strong>ir tart taste’ (Cornes & Cornes). Twigs<br />
said to be pounded and added to milk as a flavouring or tonic (Mandaville). Cornes & Cornes also<br />
mention that it is said to be used in a balm for skin ailments. El Amin says <strong>the</strong> woody base was used<br />
for firewood. Also reported by early authors to be used by bedouin in <strong>the</strong> tanning <strong>of</strong> hides.<br />
Photos: El Amin 18, 99 L ; Coll 611; Corn 32, 90; Daoud 154, 155; Ghaz 86, 87, 88; Jong 462, 463; Phil 83, 84;<br />
Pick 185; Shuaib 100; West 32.<br />
56 57
POLyGONACEAE<br />
Emex spinosa (L.) Campd. Plate 78<br />
Rumex spinosus L.<br />
Vernacular names: prickly dock, Hanzab/Hambaz, Ders al ’ajooz<br />
زوجعلا سرض ,زابمح/بازنح<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional or frequent in sandy habitats.<br />
uses: Phillips and Mandaville note that <strong>the</strong> plant is edible. It is used as a remedy for stomach<br />
disorders (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Bat 18; Coll 612; Corn 93; Daoud 156, 157; Jong 465; Phil 85; Shuaib 99; West 32.<br />
Polygonum argyrocoleum Steud. ex Kunze<br />
Vernacular names: ghardab<br />
بدرغ<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: ?Introduced. ?Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> moist ground in cultivated rodat.<br />
notes: The record <strong>of</strong> P. equisetiformis by Obeid (1975) reported by Batanouny, a Mediterranean<br />
species, is probably referable to this species (see Miller & Cope 1996, p. 129) as is Polygonum bellardii<br />
Sibth. & Sm. (P. bellardii All.) recorded by El Amin. Miller & Cope do not list P. bellardii for Arabia.<br />
Photos: Coll 613.<br />
Rumex cyprius Murb.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: ?Introduced. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from silty depressions.<br />
uses: ‘It is grazed by animals and <strong>the</strong> leaves are eaten by man as salad or cooked in stews’ (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Coll 615.<br />
Rumex dentatus L.<br />
Vernacular names: khillah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: ?Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded from damp, sandy soils and silty depressions in<br />
cultivated areas.<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly mention that an infusion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plant is used as a cooling agent against<br />
sunstroke and that <strong>the</strong> root is astringent and applied to skin disorders.<br />
Photos: Coll 615; Jong 467.<br />
Rumex vesicarius L. Plate 82<br />
Vernacular names: sorrel, bladderdock, hummayD<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
ةلخ<br />
ضيمح<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in rocky terrain in shallow deposits <strong>of</strong> sand or silt, but also<br />
recorded in cultivated areas.<br />
uses: The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Mandaville reports from an earlier source that it was<br />
sometimes added during preparation <strong>of</strong> iqt (dried milk shards) to increase <strong>the</strong> acidity. A long list <strong>of</strong><br />
medicinal properties are given by Rizk & El-Ghazaly and o<strong>the</strong>r authors. Ghazanfar states that <strong>the</strong><br />
leaves and seeds are used to treat scorpion stings.<br />
Photos: El Amin 18; Bat 18; Coll 616; Daoud 158, 159; Ghaz 85; Jong 470; Pick 79; Shuaib 100; West 34.<br />
PORTULACACEAE<br />
Portulaca oleracea L.<br />
Vernacular names: purslane, barbir, baqlah, rijlah<br />
ةلجر ,ةلقب ,ريبرب<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr–Sep.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in cultivated areas, including gardens.<br />
uses: A salad herb, widely cultivated and available in many <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>’s markets as well as grocery<br />
stores and supermarkets. Is also highly palatable to animals. Jongbloed et al. also note that it is used<br />
as a bactericide, and in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> worms, among o<strong>the</strong>r uses. Phillips said it was eaten to help<br />
digestion and o<strong>the</strong>r authors also note its diuretic properties.<br />
Photos: El Amin 18; Bat 20; Coll 618; Corn 89, 272; Jong 471; Phil 159; Pick 135; Shuaib 73; West 36.<br />
RESEDACEAE<br />
Ochradenus aucheri Boiss.<br />
Ochradenus dewittii Abdallah<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Oct-May.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: It is normally a species <strong>of</strong> rocky habitats. Batanouny collected this species<br />
near Al Wukair.<br />
Photos: Ghaz 202; Jong 476, 478; West 67.<br />
Ochradenus baccatus Delile<br />
POLyGONACEAE / PORTULACACEAE / RESEDACEAE<br />
Vernacular names: qurDi<br />
يضرق<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional or frequent in sandy or gravelly depressions, growing amongst<br />
Acacia, Ziziphus and Lycium. It can be seen by <strong>the</strong> roadside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Al Shamal highway from north <strong>of</strong><br />
Doha to Al Khor and from Al Rayyan to Rawdat Rashed (MS); strong populations also occur inside<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> University and <strong>the</strong> surrounding areas.<br />
uses: Cornes & Cornes say that it is mainly eaten by goats which strip <strong>the</strong> plants down to a few<br />
centimetres. The twigs, leaves and flowers are applied to wounds and sores to kill maggots (Rizk &<br />
El-Ghazaly). Ghazanfar reports <strong>the</strong> fruit and leaves are used to treat stomach-ache.<br />
Photos: Bat 38; Coll 638; Corn 110; Daoud 12, 119, 120; Ghaz 196-7; Mand 98, 99; Phil 130; Shuaib 101.<br />
Oligomeris linifolia (Vahl) J.F. Macbr.<br />
Oligomeris subulata (Delile) Boiss.; Reseda subulata Delile<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant on harder substrates; mainly C and S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Grazed by animals, especially goats and sheep (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Bat 39; Coll 639; Corn 113; Daoud 122; Jong 479; Phil 131; Shuaib 101.<br />
58 59
RESEDACEAE / RHAMNACEAE<br />
Reseda arabica Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: shawlah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from C and S <strong>Qatar</strong>, including Umm Bab.<br />
Photos: Coll 639; Daoud 12, 126, 127; Mand 100; Shuaib 102.<br />
Reseda aucheri Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: shawlah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or perennial. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: El Amin recorded it from gravelly depressions in C <strong>Qatar</strong>. The habitat in<br />
<strong>the</strong> UAE is gravel plains and mountains (Jongbloed).<br />
notes: The plant occurring in <strong>Qatar</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf is R. aucheri var. bracteata (Boiss.)<br />
Abdallah & De Wit.<br />
Photos: Coll 639; Ghaz 203; Jong 480; Pick 186; West 67.<br />
Reseda muricata C. Presl.<br />
Vernacular names: shawlah<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in compacted silty sand, in gypsum desert, and in shallows<br />
soil in rocky areas.<br />
uses: The plant possesses antimicrobial activity (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 106 L ; Bat 39; Coll 641; Daoud 13, 129, 130; Mand 101; Shuaib 102.<br />
RHAMNACEAE<br />
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.<br />
Vernacular names: sidr, nabaq (fruit), kenar (fruit)<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
ةلوش<br />
ةلوش<br />
ةلوش<br />
)ةرمث( رانك ,)ةرمث( قبن ,ردس<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to locally frequent where planted in farms, gardens and<br />
roadsides. Rarely naturalised.<br />
uses: Planted along roadsides as a shade tree. The fruits are edible.<br />
Photos: El Amin 18; Bat 68.<br />
Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight & Arn. Plate 83<br />
Vernacular names: sidr, nabaq (fruit), kenar (fruit), dom (fruit)<br />
Growth form: Shrub or tree. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
)ةرمث( رانك ,)ةرمث( قبن ,ردس<br />
habitat & distribution: Occurs in C and S <strong>Qatar</strong> in sandy depressions; <strong>of</strong>ten dominant or mixed<br />
with Acacia spp.<br />
uses: The fruit is edible, sweet and ‘also used to treat coughs’ (El Amin). The species can be used<br />
for firewood. El Amin also comments on its ability to trap sand and control erosion. Mandaville<br />
citing earlier o<strong>the</strong>rs reports that <strong>the</strong> sidr tree (including Z. spina-christi) was used to make <strong>the</strong> hookended<br />
camel stick known as <strong>the</strong> mush’ab and that some tribes had a tradition that sidr thickets were<br />
haunted by jinn (spirits), so were not cut for fuel. <strong>An</strong> infusion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leaves is used to treat stomach<br />
complaints, sore throats and ease joint pains, whilst <strong>the</strong> leaves are also applied to treat scabies and<br />
boils (El Amin, Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 19; Bat 66 L , 67; Coll 645; Corn 158; Mand 136.<br />
Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.<br />
Vernacular names: Christ’s thorn, sidr, nabaq (fruit)<br />
)ةرمث( قبن ,ردس<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in farms and roadside plantations. Rarely found<br />
naturalised.<br />
uses: A list <strong>of</strong> medicinal uses is given by Rizk & El-Ghazaly. Ghazanfar reports that <strong>the</strong> leaves, fruit<br />
and seeds are used to treat blisters, bruises, chest pains, dandruff, fractures and mouth and gum<br />
problems.<br />
Photos: Bat 68; Coll 645; Jong 481; Pick 247; West 97.<br />
RUBIACEAE<br />
Galium tricornutum Dandy<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from Al Magdah by Batanouny, growing over Ziziphus.<br />
Photos: Jong 488; Shuaib 57.<br />
RUTACEAE<br />
Haplophyllum tuberculatum (Forssk.) Juss.<br />
Vernacular names: musaykah (‘muskweed’), Tafr at-tais/sinan at-tais سيتلا نانس/سيتلا رفط ,ةكيسم<br />
(‘smell <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> goat’)<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in S, W and C <strong>Qatar</strong> on sandy soils.<br />
uses: El Amin remarks that <strong>the</strong> plant is ‘not liked’ as grazing, and that <strong>the</strong> ‘bedouin use it to<br />
cure scorpion stings’. Ghazanfar mentions <strong>the</strong> leaves are used to ‘streng<strong>the</strong>n back muscles after<br />
childbirth, for chest pains, flatulence, stomach problems and as a sedative’.<br />
Photos: Bat 65; Coll 662; Daoud 71; Jong 493; Mand 137; Pick 138; Shuaib 58; West 95.<br />
SALVADORACEAE<br />
Salvadora persica L.<br />
RHAMNACEAE / RUBIACEAE / RUTACEAE / SALVADORACEAE<br />
Vernacular names: toothbrush tree, miswak/suwak, rak/’arak<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar–Jul.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
كرع/كر ,كاوس/كاوسم<br />
60 61
SALVADORACEAE / SAPINDACEAE / SCROPHULARIACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Distribution in <strong>Qatar</strong> uncertain. Widely planted and naturalised in <strong>the</strong><br />
Gulf and native to parts <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia, Yemen and <strong>the</strong> far east <strong>of</strong> UAE (Jongbloed). One longestablished<br />
clump occurs by an old well within Ras Laffan Industrial City (JN).<br />
uses: The twigs are traditionally chewed to clean <strong>the</strong> teeth and are a familiar sight in Arabic markets.<br />
Jongbloed et al. list many medicinal uses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fresh and dried leaves, including <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong><br />
sore joints and scorpion stings.<br />
Photos: Coll 665; Jong 495; Pick 219; West 97.<br />
SAPINDACEAE<br />
Dodonaea viscosa Jacq.<br />
Dodonaea angustifolia L. f.<br />
Growth form: Shrub or small tree. Fl. Jan–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Mainly planted by roadsides. Native to parts <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia and <strong>the</strong><br />
Hajar Mountains in UAE (Jongbloed).<br />
uses: As an ornamental and for screening; <strong>of</strong>ten clipped into hedges. Ghazanfar reports that <strong>the</strong><br />
leaves are used for treating toothache; many o<strong>the</strong>r medicinal uses are listed by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
notes: Possibly two or more subspecies occur, including subsp. viscosa Jacq. and subsp. angustifolia<br />
(L. f.) J.G. West.<br />
Photos: Jong 496; Pick 81; West 96.<br />
SCROPHULARIACEAE<br />
Misopates orontium (L.) Raf.<br />
<strong>An</strong>tirrhinum orontium L.<br />
Vernacular names: weasel’s snout, saysam<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from cultivated fields in C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 672; Jong 507; West 132.<br />
Scrophularia deserti Delile Plate 80<br />
بيدلا بنع ,هريفز ,ةنيفع ,ةتيز<br />
Vernacular names: desert figwort, zeita, ’afeena, zafairah, ’inab al Deeb<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional; generally on harder substrates in shallow sand or sandy<br />
runnels, especially in S and C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 19; Bat 92; Coll 683; Corn 191; Daoud 218, 219; Jong 511; Phil 88; Shuaib 70; West 134.<br />
Veronica cymbalaria Bodard<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> gardens in Doha.<br />
Photos: Coll 695.<br />
مسيس<br />
SOLANACEAE<br />
Datura innoxia Mill.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Sep.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Also recorded: Kuwait.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from Doha.<br />
Photos: Coll 697; Shuaib 84.<br />
Lycium shawii Roem. & Schult. Plate 84<br />
جسوع<br />
Vernacular names: desert thorn, ’awsaj<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Jan–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to locally dominant on hamada, in sandy and silty depressions,<br />
runnels, wadis and on rocky slopes. Stunted specimens have been recorded in saline habitats. Often<br />
grows with stands <strong>of</strong> Acacia and Ziziphus trees.<br />
uses: Grazed by animals and <strong>the</strong> berries are eaten by man; Cornes & Cornes note that <strong>the</strong> leaves<br />
provide browsing for camels and gazelles. Mandaville gives a detailed account relating to <strong>the</strong> old<br />
bedouin superstition that <strong>the</strong> plant is <strong>the</strong> abode <strong>of</strong> jinn (spirits), so some tribes do not use it for<br />
firewood. He states that it does not in any case provide good fuel, being ‘ra<strong>the</strong>r thorny and difficult<br />
to break’. Medicinally, <strong>the</strong> stems are used as a diuretic, laxative and tonic (Ghazanfar).<br />
Photos: El Amin 20; Bat 90, 91 L ; Coll 701; Corn 192; Daoud 210, 211; Jong 515; Mand 159; Phil 149; Pick<br />
190; Shuaib 83; West 129.<br />
Physalis angulata L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. May.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from Doha as a weed amongst a cultivated plants.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> irrigated, cultivated areas in N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Bat 92.<br />
Solanum villosum (L.) Mill.<br />
Solanum nigrum L. var humile (Bernh.) Asch.<br />
SOLANACEAE<br />
Vernacular names: hairy nightshade, ’inab al-deeb<br />
بيدلا بنع<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> disturbed and enriched habitats, including cultivated areas,<br />
sewage ponds and gardens.<br />
uses: Batanouny noted that <strong>the</strong> fruit is edible. Mandaville states that although sometimes listed as<br />
a poisonous plant, he has seen <strong>the</strong> ripe berries being eaten. The plant is used as a diuretic and a<br />
long list <strong>of</strong> additional medicinal uses is given by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Coll 705; Jong 519; Pick 192; Shuaib 84; West 130.<br />
62 63
TAMARICACEAE / TILIACEAE<br />
TAMARICACEAE<br />
Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst.<br />
Vernacular names: tamarisk, ’athl, Tarfah<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Oct–Feb.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
ةفرط ,لثع<br />
habitat & distribution: A frequently planted tree, <strong>of</strong>ten used as screening or shelterbelt around<br />
farms.<br />
uses: Mandaville notes its economic importance in Saudi Arabia, listing various uses including<br />
traditional house construction, ornamental planting, afforestation and dune stabilization. A<br />
number <strong>of</strong> medicinal uses is given by Rizk & El-Ghazaly and Ghazanfar.<br />
Photos: Ghaz 139; Jong 523; Pick 85.<br />
Tamarix aucheriana (Decne.) Baum<br />
Vernacular names: tamarisk, ’athl, Tarfah<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Apr–May, Oct–Nov.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from Jebel Dukhan.<br />
uses: Used as firewood and <strong>the</strong> bark provides tannins; used for shelter belts (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Coll 711; Daoud 44, 45; Jong 524; Shuaib 82.<br />
Tamarix passerinoides Delile<br />
ةفرط ,لثع<br />
Vernacular names: tamarisk, ’athl, Tarfah<br />
ةفرط ,لثع<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Apr–Aug.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded from saline soils in SW <strong>Qatar</strong>, including Jebel Dukhan.<br />
uses: Used as firewood (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Coll 713.<br />
Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb.<br />
Vernacular names: tamarisk, ’athl, Tarfah<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar–Dec.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from ‘saline ground, mainly in S. <strong>Qatar</strong>’.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
TILIACEAE<br />
ةفرط ,لثع<br />
Corchorus depressus (L.) Stocks Plate 85<br />
ربلا ةيخلم<br />
Vernacular names: mulakhiyah al bar<br />
Growth form: A prostrate shrublet. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent on silty or sandy depressions with compacted soil.<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly report that <strong>the</strong> plant is used for removing tumours and pain.<br />
Photos: El Amin 20; Bat 69; Coll 715; Corn 118; Ghaz 107; Jong 526; Mand 63; Phil 127; Pick 142; West 98.<br />
Corchorus olitorius L.<br />
Vernacular names: mulakhiyah<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–May.<br />
status: Introduced. ?Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional as a weed <strong>of</strong> crops.<br />
uses: The leaves are used as a vegetable to make <strong>the</strong> Arabic dish mulakhiyah. A number <strong>of</strong> medicinal<br />
uses are listed by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Coll 716; Ghaz 108.<br />
Corchorus trilocularis L.<br />
Vernacular names: wild jute, mulakhiyah al bar<br />
ربلا ةيخلم<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Reported as rare in N <strong>Qatar</strong> by Rizk & El-Ghazaly. El Amin listed C.<br />
trilocularis in <strong>the</strong> Arabic index to his book, but it was omitted from <strong>the</strong> species accounts.<br />
uses: Cultivated as a vegetable. A number <strong>of</strong> medicinal uses are listed by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: Jong 527; West 98.<br />
URTICACEAE<br />
Forsskaolea tenacissima L.<br />
Vernacular names: lazzaq, tubbaq<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: ?Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
64 65<br />
ةيخلم<br />
قابط ,قازل<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from sandy soils and gravelly depressions, but he<br />
does not mention a location.<br />
Photos: Coll 738; Jong xii, 538; Pick 221; West 30.<br />
Forsskaolea viridis Ehrenb.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Jan–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. First published record: Obeid (1975), but needs confirmation; not listed for<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> by Miller & Cope. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: The typical habitat in Saudi Arabia is wadi bottoms and rocky slopes<br />
(Miller & Cope).<br />
Photos: Coll 739; Jong 539.<br />
Parietaria alsinifolia Delile<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: ?Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded from rodat, including Al Magdah.<br />
Photos: Coll 739; Jong 540.<br />
Urtica urens L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
TILIACEAE / URTICACEAE
URTICACEAE / VERBENACEAE / ZyGOPHyLLACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> irrigated gardens.<br />
uses: Many medicinal uses such as to sooth wounds and ulcers and to treat diarrhoea (Rizk & El-<br />
Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 740.<br />
VERBENACEAE<br />
Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene<br />
Lippia nodiflora (L.) Michx.<br />
Vernacular names: frogfruit<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. May–Jun.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> wet places.<br />
uses: Sometimes cultivated as ground cover in parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf. A wide variety <strong>of</strong> medical uses are<br />
known (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Bat 88; Coll 747; Corn 203; Jong 541; Phil 177; Pick 86; Shuaib 74; West 125.<br />
Stachytarphaeta angustifolia (Mill.) Vahl<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: ?Introduced. ?Local. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from rodat and runnels in C <strong>Qatar</strong>, but not recorded<br />
by any o<strong>the</strong>r authors from Arabia.<br />
uses: El Amin mentions that it is used medicinally in West Africa to treat dysentery, heart troubles,<br />
eye and ear sores.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
ZYGOPHYLLACEAE<br />
Fagonia bruguieri DC.<br />
Vernacular names: DHuraymah<br />
ةميرظ<br />
Growth form: Biennial or perennial herb. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy and gravelly habitats.<br />
uses: Rizk & El-Ghazaly describe a number <strong>of</strong> medicinal uses.<br />
notes: Batanouny describes three varieties occurring in <strong>Qatar</strong>: var. bruguieri, var. laxa Boiss. and<br />
var. rechingeri Hadidi.<br />
Photos: El Amin 20; Coll 757; Daoud 55, 56; Jong 545; Mand 138; Shuaib 81; West 87.<br />
Fagonia glutinosa Delile<br />
Vernacular names: DHuraymah<br />
Growth form: Biennial or perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy areas; probably widespread.<br />
Photos: El Amin 20; Bat 57; Coll 757; Daoud 54; Shuaib 81.<br />
ةميرظ<br />
Fagonia indica Burm. f. Plate 81<br />
Vernacular names: DHuraymah, shwaikah, shka’e<br />
يعاكش ,ةكيوش ,ةميرظ<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional on harder substrates and disturbed areas around inhabited<br />
areas.<br />
uses: Ghazanfar reports that <strong>the</strong> leaves, stems and roots are used for treating abdominal colic,<br />
dyspepsia, fever and venereal disease.<br />
Photos: El Amin 21; Bat 57; Coll 758; Jong 546; Phil 173; Pick 87; West 87.<br />
Fagonia ovalifolia Hadidi Plate 86<br />
Vernacular names: DHuraymah, shwaikah, shka’e<br />
يعاكش ,ةكيوش ,ةميرظ<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in s<strong>of</strong>ter sand.<br />
notes: Subspecies ovalifolia and pakistanica Ghafoor both occur in <strong>Qatar</strong>; var. qatarensis Hadidi has<br />
also been described (IPNI), presumably from <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 21; Bat 58 L , 59; Coll 758; Corn 153; Jong 547; West 88.<br />
Fagonia tenuifolia Steud. & Hochst. ex Boiss.<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from Al Sheehaniyah and Al Karaanah in sandy<br />
depressions and runnels.<br />
Photos: El Amin 21; Coll 759.<br />
Seetzenia lanata (Willd.) Bullock Plate 87<br />
Seetzenia orientalis Decne.<br />
Vernacular names: Habyan/Habein<br />
نيبح/نايبح<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy habitats in C and S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 22, 118 L ; Bat 60; Coll 760; Corn 153; Daoud 53 L ; Jong 548; Mand 139; Pick 222; West 88.<br />
Tetraena qatarensis (Hadidi) Beier & Thulin Plate 88<br />
Zygophyllum qatarense Hadidi<br />
Vernacular names: harm<br />
Growth form: Shrub. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
ZyGOPHyLLACEAE<br />
status: Native. Very common. Endemic to <strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait,<br />
E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant, or dominant in hamada, gravel plains and saline<br />
sandy habitats, including sabkha edge and beaches.<br />
uses: Not edible to humans and usually avoided by wild animals and livestock. Mandaville remarks<br />
that it provides ‘useful summer grazing, but considered unhealthy in excess’.<br />
66 67<br />
مره
ZyGOPHyLLACEAE<br />
notes: All Zygophyllum species in Arabia have recently been transferred to <strong>the</strong> genus Tetraena<br />
(Beier et al. 2003). Mandaville notes that this is a ra<strong>the</strong>r variable species that was <strong>of</strong>ten attributed<br />
incorrectly to Zygophyllum coccineum L. It is possible that o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf and Saudi Arabian species, such<br />
as T. mandavillei may also occur inside <strong>the</strong> borders <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: El Amin 22, 120 L ; Bat 61; Coll 764, 766; Corn 145, 154; Daoud 58, 59, 60; Jong 290, 555; Mand 142;<br />
Phil 172, 175; Pick 196; Shuaib 82; West 90.<br />
Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin Plate 89<br />
Zygophyllum simplex L.<br />
Vernacular names: harm/hureim, da’a<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
اعد ,ميره/مره<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional or frequent in stony habitats and compacted, <strong>of</strong>ten saline soils.<br />
uses: In Bahrain, <strong>the</strong> leaves are used as an antibiotic and laxative; infusion <strong>of</strong> leaves or <strong>the</strong> seeds<br />
is applied to <strong>the</strong> eyes in ophthalmia (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 22, 120 L ; Bat 62; Coll 766; Corn 157; Jong 556; Phil 176; Pick 145; West 91.<br />
Tribulus arabicus H. Hosni<br />
Vernacular names: shershir<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Feb–Sep.<br />
status: Native. Rare. <strong>An</strong> Arabian endemic. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Shallow, fine textured soil and pebbly habitats (Batanouny).<br />
uses: Mandaville states that it is a main camel grazing species in parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rub’ Al Khali.<br />
Photos: Coll 761; Jong 549; Mand 143, 144.<br />
Tribulus cistoides L.<br />
Tribulus terrestris var. cistoides (L.) C. Moore & Betche<br />
Vernacular names: shershir<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Abdel Bari from Al Sheehaniyah race track.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Tribulus pterophorus C. Presl<br />
Vernacular names: shershir<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded only from Al Mashbiya (<strong>the</strong> area NE <strong>of</strong> Abu Samrah) by El Amin<br />
from an area with stony soils.<br />
Photos: El Amin 21, 118 L .<br />
Tribulus terrestris L.<br />
Vernacular names: shershir<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or biennial herb. Fl. Apr–Dec.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
رشرش<br />
رشرش<br />
رشرش<br />
رشرش<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in gravelly and sandy habitats, including disturbed areas<br />
around camps, etc.; S and C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: A wide variety <strong>of</strong> medicinal uses are described by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: El Amin 21, 118 L ; Bat 60; Coll 763; Daoud 61, 62; Jong 553; Pick 146; Shuaib 82; West 89.<br />
ANGIOSPERMAE: MONOCOTyLEDONEAE<br />
ARECACEAE<br />
Phoenix dactylifera L. Plate 90<br />
Vernacular names: date palm, nakhl<br />
لخن<br />
Growth form: Tree. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Introduced. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Planted all over <strong>Qatar</strong>. Naturalised on <strong>the</strong> coast at Umm Bab.<br />
uses: Cultivated in plantations and gardens, especially for <strong>the</strong> edible fruit (date); also along<br />
roadsides to provide greenery and shade. Various authors describe cultural uses, including making<br />
ropes, baskets, ro<strong>of</strong>ing and used in <strong>the</strong> construction <strong>of</strong> boats and houses. It can also be used as<br />
firewood. Jongbloed et al. note that it has medicinal uses.<br />
Photos: El Amin 27; Coll 593; Corn 253, 254; Jong 13; Phil 19; West 167.<br />
CYMODOCEACEAE<br />
Diplan<strong>the</strong>ra uninervis (Forssk.) F.N.Williams<br />
Halodule uninervis (Forssk.) Asch.<br />
Vernacular names: seagrass<br />
Growth form: Marine perennial herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Native. Common. First published record: Abdel Bari (1997). Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras,<br />
though marine flowering plants appear to have been overlooked by some authors.<br />
habitat & distribution: Intertidal areas around <strong>the</strong> coast; widespread (BB).<br />
uses: Diplan<strong>the</strong>ra spp. and Halophila spp. (p. 71) are an important component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> marine food<br />
chain, but fur<strong>the</strong>r study is needed on <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
notes: Diplan<strong>the</strong>ra wrightii (Asch.) Asch has been reported from Bahrain by Cornes & Cornes and<br />
may also be found in <strong>Qatar</strong> (see Mandaville 1990, p. 331).<br />
Photos: None.<br />
CYPERACEAE<br />
ZyGOPHyLLACEAE / ARECACEAE / CyMODOCEACEAE / CyPERACEAE<br />
Bolboschoenus maritimus (L.) Palla<br />
Scirpus maritimus L.<br />
Growth form: Sedge. Fl. Mar–Jun.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Batanouny only recorded it in a permanently wet area at Ras Ushirij, at<br />
<strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> a patch <strong>of</strong> Typha domingensis.<br />
Photos: Coll 277; Jong 15; West 169.<br />
68 69
CyPERACEAE<br />
Cyperus conglomeratus Rottb. Plate 91<br />
Cyperus aucheri Jaub. & Spach<br />
Vernacular names: thanda, rasha, ’andeb, sa’ed, qassis<br />
سيسق ,دعس ,بدنع ,اشر ,ةدنث<br />
Growth form: Sedge. Fl. May–Jun.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A plant characteristic <strong>of</strong> deeper sand, especially larger dunes, but in <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
also locally abundant around coastal areas on beach sand and on white sand inland. Occasional to<br />
locally frequent in o<strong>the</strong>r habitats, such as sandy wadis and runnels.<br />
uses: Grazed, but considered inferior as fodder. Jongbloed et al. note that <strong>the</strong> rhizomes are<br />
sometimes used as food by humans in times <strong>of</strong> hunger.<br />
notes: This is a very variable group comprising a number <strong>of</strong> different described varieties and<br />
forms, but fur<strong>the</strong>r study <strong>of</strong> plants in <strong>Qatar</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gulf is still needed. For fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
information see Batanouny and Mandaville.<br />
Photos: El Amin 23; Bat 124; Coll 279; Corn 233; Jong 18; Phil 167; Pick 261; Shuaib 51; West 168.<br />
Cyperus jeminicus Rottb<br />
Cyperus conglomeratus subsp. jeminicus (Rottb.) Lye<br />
Vernacular names: rukbah, sa’ed<br />
Growth form: Sedge. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded E Saudi Arabia.<br />
دعس ,ةبكر<br />
habitat & distribution: Locally frequent in coastal saline sand, including Ras Laffan, Fuwairit<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r areas in NE <strong>Qatar</strong> (MS).<br />
Notes: Not previously documented for <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Cyperus laevigatus L.<br />
Juncellus laevigatus (L.) C.B. Baker<br />
Vernacular names: sa’ed<br />
دعس<br />
Growth form: Sedge. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A species <strong>of</strong> marshy places, <strong>of</strong>ten in slightly saline habitats. Recorded by<br />
Batanouny at Abu Samrah in SW <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Fodder for camels (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Bat 124; Coll 280; Corn 231; Jong 19.<br />
Cyperus rotundus L.<br />
Vernacular names: sa’ed<br />
دعس<br />
Growth form: Sedge. Fl. Jan–Dec.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in marshy areas, such as gardens and cultivated fields. Rarely<br />
seen in desert areas.<br />
Photos: Coll 282; Corn 235; Jong 20; West 168.<br />
HYDROCHARITACEAE<br />
Halophila ovalis (R. Br.) Hook. f.<br />
Growth form: Marine perennial herb. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Native. Common. Not previously documented for <strong>Qatar</strong>. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi<br />
Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Intertidal areas around <strong>the</strong> coast; widespread (BB).<br />
Notes: See comments under Diplan<strong>the</strong>ra spp.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Halophila stipulacea (Forssk.) Asch.<br />
Growth form: Marine perennial herb. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Intertidal areas around <strong>the</strong> coast; widespread (BB). Collected from Al<br />
Khor shore by El Amin.<br />
Photos: El Amin 143 L ; Bat 109; Corn 226.<br />
JUNCACEAE<br />
Juncus rigidus Desf.<br />
Juncus arabicus (Asch. & Buchenau) Adamson; Juncus maritimus Lam. var. arabicus Asch. & Buchenau<br />
ةدنت ,اشر ,لصأ<br />
Vernacular names: asal, rasha, tanda<br />
Growth form: Rush. Fl. Nov-Dec.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in muddy saltmarshes and o<strong>the</strong>r damp, saline areas. Occurs at<br />
Abu Samrah, Al Dhakhira, Jebel Fuwairit (MS) and also previously recorded from Wadi El Ireig.<br />
uses: Eaten by camels. Used to make mats.<br />
Photos: El Amin 26; Coll 444; Corn 231; Jong 27; Phil 162; Pick 262.<br />
LILIACEAE<br />
HyDROCHARITACEAE / JUNCACEAE / LILIACEAE<br />
Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav.<br />
Asphodelus fistulosus L. var tenuifolius (Cav.) Baker<br />
Vernacular names: barwaq<br />
قورب<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual herb. Fl. Feb–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to locally frequent in shallow, <strong>of</strong>ten somewhat compact, sand;<br />
particularly in sandy or gravelly depressions.<br />
uses: Phillips quotes Dickson (1955) reporting that <strong>the</strong> seeds <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plant were used by <strong>the</strong> Bedu<br />
<strong>of</strong> Kuwait to make a kind <strong>of</strong> dried milk. ‘Ga<strong>the</strong>red for use as a po<strong>the</strong>rb’ (Cornes & Cornes). The<br />
seeds have diuretic properties and are applied externally to ulcers and inflamed parts (Rizk & El-<br />
Ghazaly).<br />
notes: A. fistulosus L. is best treated as a separate species; it has been reported from Egypt and<br />
nor<strong>the</strong>rn Saudi Arabia (Boulos).<br />
Photos: El Amin 26; Coll 78; Corn 228; Jong 31; Phil 124, 125; Pick 154; Shuaib 50; West 154.<br />
70 71
LILIACEAE / POACEAE<br />
Dipcadi erythraeum Webb & Ber<strong>the</strong>l. Plates 93, 94<br />
Dipcadi serotinum (L.) Medik.; Dipcadi unicolor (Stocks) Baker<br />
Vernacular names: miSelmow, busalamo, anSel, bessail al maa,<br />
ءاملا ليسب ,لصنأ ,وملسوب ,ومليصم<br />
brown lily<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in S and C <strong>Qatar</strong>, in sandy depressions and runnels.<br />
uses: The bulb is reputed to be edible, although Mandaville says it is bitter, whilst Jongbloed et al.<br />
state that <strong>the</strong> capsule is edible. Rizk & El-Ghazaly report that in Bahrain <strong>the</strong> leaves are used as a<br />
laxative and as an ointment for wounds.<br />
Photos: El Amin 27; Bat 109; Coll 431; Corn 35, 227; Jong 33; Mand 266; Phil 126; Shuaib 49; West 154.<br />
POACEAE<br />
Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thwaites Plate 99<br />
Vernacular names: ’ikrish<br />
شركع<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Mar–May.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant in saline habitats, including sabkha edge, saltmarsh<br />
and <strong>the</strong> edges <strong>of</strong> permanent wetland areas. Sometimes dominates large areas <strong>of</strong> saline flat.<br />
uses: El Amin states this species to be good fodder.<br />
Photos: El Amin 126 L ; Bat 110; Coll 342 L ; Corn 242; Jong 37; Phil 107; West 156.<br />
Aristida abnormis Chiov.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Probably occasional throughout <strong>Qatar</strong> on shallow soils.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Coll 344 L ; Jong 38.<br />
Aristida adscensionis L.<br />
Vernacular names: samaa, SafSaf<br />
فصفص ,امس<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First published record: Cope (2007). Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cope record(s) not known, but a specimen <strong>of</strong> this species<br />
was collected by JN from a sandy depression in SW <strong>Qatar</strong> in 2007.<br />
Photos: Coll 345 L ; Jong 39.<br />
Aristida mutabilis Trin. & Rupr.<br />
Aristida meccana Hochst. ex Trin. & Rupr.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded from stony and rocky ground in N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Arundo donax L.<br />
Vernacular names: giant reed, ghab, qalam<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from Al Wabrah.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Coll 348 L ; Jong 40.<br />
Avena sterilis L.<br />
Vernacular names: shufan barri<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in rodat and o<strong>the</strong>r irrigated places.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
72 73<br />
ملق ,باغ<br />
يرب نافوش<br />
notes: Cope lists subspp. sterilis and ludoviciana (Durieu) M. Gillet & Magne for <strong>Qatar</strong>; <strong>the</strong> latter<br />
is <strong>of</strong>ten treated as a separate species.<br />
Photos: El Amin 23; Coll 350 L .<br />
Brachypodium distachyum (L.) P. Beauv.<br />
Trachynia distachya (L.) Link<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Feb–May.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny as occasional in deep alluvial soil in rodat.<br />
Photos: Coll 354 L ; Jong 44.<br />
Bromus danthoniae Trin.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Appears only to have been recorded by Batanouny (and possibly also by<br />
El Amin) from a single locality as Al Sadd, S <strong>of</strong> Doha.<br />
Photos: Coll 355 L .<br />
Bromus madritensis L.<br />
<strong>An</strong>isantha madritensis (L.) Nevski; Bromus madritensis subsp. haussknechtii (Boiss.) H. Scholz; Bromus<br />
haussknechtii Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: brome grass, zeil abu al-Hossein<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Feb–May.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
نيسحلا وبأ ليذ<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from a stony area at Umm Slal Mohammed.<br />
Photos: Bat 110; Coll 356 L ; Jong 45.<br />
Bromus scoparius L.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
POACEAE
POACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from a stony area with accumulated fine soil at<br />
Umm Slal Mohammed.<br />
notes: Batanouny ascribed his plant to var. psilostachys Halácsy (not formally recognised by Cope).<br />
Photos: Coll 357 L .<br />
Cenchrus ciliaris L. Plate 92<br />
Vernacular names: foxtail grass, sabaT<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to abundant or locally dominant in moderately compact sand<br />
or silt, especially in rocky areas and <strong>of</strong>ten around inhabited areas and farmland.<br />
uses: Described by Mandaville as ‘useful fodder grass’.<br />
Photos: Coll 360 L ; Jong 46; Mand 237; Phil 108; Pick 251; West 157.<br />
Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hoschst. & Steud.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from cultivated rodat in C <strong>Qatar</strong> by Batanouny, but presumably<br />
also occurs in natural areas with sandy and silty soils.<br />
Photos: Bat 111; Coll 361 L ; Jong 47.<br />
Cenchrus setigerus Vahl<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: The habitat <strong>of</strong> this species is similar to o<strong>the</strong>r species <strong>of</strong> Cenchrus.<br />
notes: Tentatively listed for <strong>Qatar</strong> by Cope on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> photograph included in Batanouny<br />
(Plate 111), mis-labelled as C. pennisetiformis.<br />
Photos: Bat 111; Jong 49.<br />
Centropodia forsskaolii (Vahl) Cope Plate 100<br />
As<strong>the</strong>na<strong>the</strong>rum forsskaolii (Vahl) Nevski<br />
Vernacular names: qasba’a, hajeen<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant in sandy runnels in SW <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Grazed by camels (Mandaville) and used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 126 L ; Coll 361 L ; Jong 50; West 156.<br />
Chloris barbata Sw.<br />
Vernacular names: finger grass, khazamzam<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in cultivated farms, gardens and o<strong>the</strong>r irrigated land.<br />
uses: Good fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 23; Coll 362 L ; Phil 109; Pick 252.<br />
طبس<br />
نيجه ،ءابصق<br />
مزمزخ<br />
Chloris virgata Sw.<br />
Vernacular names: finger grass, khazamzam, sineim<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Feb–Jul.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
74 75<br />
مينس ,مزمزخ<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in cultivated land and o<strong>the</strong>r irrigated areas, including gardens.<br />
Photos: Bat 112; Coll 363 L ; Jong 52; West 157.<br />
Chrysopogon gryllus (L.) Trin.<br />
Vernacular names: halta<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr–Jun.<br />
status: Native. Local. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in wadis and runnels, <strong>of</strong>ten within rocky areas.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Chrysopogon plumulosus Hochst. Plates 95, 101<br />
Vernacular names: halta, gharaz<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
اتله<br />
زارغ ,اتله<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to locally frequent in shallow sand in wadis and runnels; <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
within rocky areas.<br />
uses: Eaten by all animals (El Amin).<br />
notes: Recorded as C. aucheri (Boiss.) Stapf by Batanouny, but later apparently redetermined as C.<br />
plumulosus (see El Amin, p.128). C. aucheri could also occur in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Bat 123; Coll 363 L .<br />
Cutandia memphitica (Spreng.) Benth. Plate 96<br />
Vernacular names: Memphis grass<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy areas <strong>of</strong> S and W <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Coll 165 L ; Jong 54; Mand 251; Phil 110; West 158.<br />
Cymbopogon commutatus (Steud.) Stapf<br />
Cymbopogon parkeri Stapf<br />
Vernacular names: incense grass, Sakhbar<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
POACEAE<br />
ربخص<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to locally abundant in silty or sandy depressions and runnels;<br />
mainly N and C <strong>Qatar</strong>. Large tussocks <strong>of</strong> this lemon-scented species dominate silt pans in parts <strong>of</strong><br />
Ras Laffan Industrial City where <strong>the</strong>re is no grazing.<br />
uses: Grazed, particularly by sheep. The leaves have a strong lemon scent when crushed. Mandaville<br />
mentions that <strong>the</strong>re is a history <strong>of</strong> medicinal use for this species in Arabia. Jongbloed et al. state that<br />
plants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> genus are cultivated for citronella oil for use as perfume and insect repellent.<br />
Photos: El Amin 126 L ; Bat 112, 113 L ; Coll 365 L ; Corn 238; Jong 55; Mand 235; West 158.
POACEAE<br />
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.<br />
Vernacular names: Bermuda grass, star grass, dog’s-tooth grass, <strong>the</strong>el/thayyil,<br />
najeel, najm<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Most <strong>of</strong> year.<br />
status: ?Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
مجن ,ليجن ,ليث<br />
habitat & distribution: The main constituent <strong>of</strong> lawns in urban areas; occasional in natural<br />
habitats.<br />
uses: Of economic importance due to its widespread use in making lawns. Medicinal uses worldwide<br />
are described by Rizk & El-Ghazaly.<br />
Photos: El Amin 23; Coll 366 L ; Corn 246; Jong 57; Phil 112; West 159.<br />
Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd.<br />
Vernacular names: najm<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in rodat, irrigated lawns, date groves and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
tree plantations.<br />
uses: El Amin notes that it ‘is used as fodder, but not <strong>of</strong> high value’. Various medicinal uses are<br />
reported.<br />
Photos: El Amin 24; Bat 114; Coll 367 L ; Corn 247; Jong 58; Mand 248; Phil 113; Pick 254; West 159.<br />
Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded as common in irrigation channels and o<strong>the</strong>r damp<br />
areas in cultivated rodat, but seen only once by <strong>the</strong> present authors.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Bat 115; Coll 369 L ; Corn 238; Jong 61.<br />
Dichanthium foveolatum (Delile) Roberty Plate 97<br />
Eremopogon foveolatus (Delile) Stapf<br />
Vernacular names: halta<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in compacted sandy and silty areas; <strong>of</strong>ten within rocky habitats.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 132 L ; Bat 111; Coll 369 L ; Corn 140; Jong 62.<br />
Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.<br />
Vernacular names: finger grass, crab grass<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. May.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in damp areas, including <strong>the</strong> edges <strong>of</strong> cultivated fields.<br />
uses: Grazed, and used for fodder.<br />
Photos: Coll 371 L ; Jong 63.<br />
مجن<br />
اتله<br />
Echinochloa colona (L.) Link<br />
Vernacular names: jungle rice, millet rice, corn panic grass, moDeiD, Difra<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in irrigated lawns and gardens.<br />
uses: Good fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 132 L ; Bat 115; Coll 372 L ; Corn 250; Jong 64; West 160.<br />
Eragrostis barrelieri Daveau<br />
Vernacular names: love-grass<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy soils.<br />
Photos: Bat 117; Coll 378 L ; Jong 66; Mand 250.<br />
Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Vignolo ex Janch.<br />
Vernacular names: stink-grass, love-grass, tearab<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
ةرفض ,ضيضم<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in sandy runnels, wadis and o<strong>the</strong>r sandy areas; also as a weed<br />
in irrigated gardens and rodat.<br />
uses: Probably a useful grazing species.<br />
Photos: Bat 117; Coll 378 L ; Jong 67.<br />
Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R. Br.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Feb–Mar.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in fine soils in depressions, <strong>of</strong>ten under trees.<br />
Photos: Bat 117; Coll 379 L .<br />
Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P. Beauv.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny from a depression at Al Magdah, growing under<br />
<strong>the</strong> shade <strong>of</strong> Ziziphus and Lycium bushes.<br />
Photos: Coll 381 L .<br />
Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Stapf<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Dominates an area <strong>of</strong> beach sand at Abu Samrah.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin). Much grazed by livestock, including horses along <strong>the</strong> coast<br />
(Mandaville).<br />
Photos: Coll 385 L ; Jong 69; West 161.<br />
76 77<br />
POACEAE<br />
باريت
POACEAE<br />
Henrardia pubescens (Bertol.) C.E. Hubb.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in rodat in C <strong>Qatar</strong>; also recorded at Doha.<br />
notes: Cope notes that much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> material originally named as this species was in fact Parapholis<br />
incurva (L.) C.E. Hubb. However, he thinks that Henrardia pubescens is also likely to be correctly<br />
reported for <strong>Qatar</strong> based on published descriptions.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Hordeum murinum L.<br />
Hordeum glaucum Steud.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Batanouny recorded this taxon from Umm Slal Mohammed growing in<br />
small depressions on calcareous ridges. It may also occur as a weed species in cultivated areas, as<br />
it does elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> Gulf.<br />
uses: Mandaville remarks that it is grazed by livestock when young, but is less palatable when<br />
maturing due to <strong>the</strong> hard, sharp awns.<br />
notes: The form in <strong>the</strong> Gulf is currently recognised as Hordeum murinum subsp. glaucum (Steud.)<br />
Tzvelev.<br />
Photos: Bat 120; Coll 386 L ; Phil 114.<br />
Hordeum vulgare L.<br />
Vernacular name: barley, sha’ir<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in cultivated fields.<br />
uses: <strong>An</strong> important crop and fodder plant. Rizk & El-Ghazaly describe <strong>the</strong> medicinal properties<br />
<strong>of</strong> this species.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf<br />
Vernacular names: blue-stem grass<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from C and W <strong>Qatar</strong>, including Dukhan.<br />
uses: Good fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Coll 387 L ; Corn 140; Jong 70; Mand 236; Phil 115.<br />
Lasiurus scindicus Henrard<br />
Lasiurus hirsutus (Vahl) Boiss., comb. illeg.<br />
Plates 98, 102<br />
Vernacular names: daHaH<br />
حاحد<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
ريعش<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant in shallow sandy areas, including runnels; mainly<br />
in C and S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Bat 119; Coll 388 L ; Jong 73; Pick 255.<br />
Leptochloa fusca (L.) Kunth<br />
Diplachne fusca (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult.<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. May–Nov.<br />
status: ?Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by Batanouny in a regularly irrigated lawn <strong>of</strong> Ramada Hotel,<br />
Doha. The species may also potentially occur in o<strong>the</strong>r wet habitats.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Lolium rigidum Gaudin<br />
Vernacular names: rye grass, simbil, rabi’ya<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: ?Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
78 79<br />
ةيعيبر ,لبمس<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional in Doha gardens and lawns, and in damp cultivated fields.<br />
May be native in some areas, but widely naturalised.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin). Toxicity to sheep and cattle has been reported; ingestion <strong>of</strong> seedheads<br />
can cause neurological disorders and especially affects <strong>the</strong> bovine liver (Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: El Amin 28, 132 L ; Coll 390 L ; Jong 74 L .<br />
Ochthochloa compressa (Forssk.) Hilu Plate 103<br />
Eleusine compressa (Forssk.) Asch. & Schweinf. ex C. Chr.<br />
ةرمح ,مينص<br />
Vernacular names: wire grass, Sineim, Hamrah<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to locally abundant in sandy depressions and runnels; mainly<br />
SW <strong>Qatar</strong>, including Al Karaanah.<br />
uses: Good fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 132 L ; Bat 116; Coll 392 L ; Corn 241; Jong 76; West 160.<br />
Panicum turgidum Forssk. Plate 104<br />
مامثإ/مامث<br />
Vernacular names: thamam/ithmam<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
POACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Abundant on sand sheets, sandy depressions and o<strong>the</strong>r sandy habitats.<br />
Especially common in S and SW <strong>Qatar</strong>, where it is a major component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> natural perennial<br />
vegetation. It probably avoids saline sand.<br />
uses: Described as good fodder by El Amin. Mandaville said it was reported that bedouin used this<br />
as food during famine. Jongbloed et al. note that it was used as a wound dressing. The species is a<br />
natural sand binder and could have potential for stabilising sand dunes.<br />
Photos: El Amin 24, 136 L ; Bat 118; Coll 396 L ; Corn 240; Jong 79; Mand 239; Phil 106, 116; West 161.
POACEAE<br />
Parapholis incurva (L.) C.E. Hubb.<br />
Vernacular names: curved hard-grass<br />
Growth form: Grass. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Native. ?Rare. First published record: Cope (2007). Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E<br />
Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: The typical habitats include seashores; but also found in irrigated lawns<br />
and gardens.<br />
notes: Cope maps a record for this species over Doha. He notes that much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> material originally<br />
named as Henrardia pubescens (Bertol.) C.E. Hubb. is this species, though he does accept that<br />
Henrardia also ‘probably’ occurs.<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Paspalidium desertorum (A. Rich.) Stapf<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Not in o<strong>the</strong>r Gulf floras.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded by El Amin from irrigated soils at a large farm.<br />
Photos: Coll 397 L .<br />
Pennisetum divisum (J.F. Gmel.) Henrard Plate 105<br />
Pennisetum dichotomum (Forssk.) Delile<br />
Vernacular names: bristle grass, <strong>the</strong>imoom<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr–May.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant on sand sheets, drifting sand and small dunes,<br />
especially in S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Batanouny remarks that it is grazed, but not preferred by animals. The species has potential<br />
to be used as a sand dune fixer (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 25, 136 L ; Bat 119; Coll 398 L ; Corn 142; Jong 80; Phil 117; West 162.<br />
Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov.<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First published record: Cope (2007). Also recorded: UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A plant <strong>of</strong> rocky areas. The map in Cope shows a locality marked on <strong>the</strong><br />
west coast.<br />
Photos: Jong 81; Pick 256.<br />
Phalaris minor Retz.<br />
Vernacular names: small canary grass, sha’ir al-far<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed species <strong>of</strong> cultivated areas.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 136 L ; Coll 402 L ; Jong 83.<br />
موميث<br />
رافلا ريعش<br />
Phalaris paradoxa L.<br />
Vernacular names: sha’ir al-far<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from gardens and cultivated rodat.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Coll 402 L .<br />
Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.<br />
Phragmites communis Trin.<br />
Vernacular names: reed, qaSSab, ghab, booS<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
80 81<br />
رافلا ريعش<br />
صوب ,باغ ,بصق<br />
habitat & distribution: Locally dominant as reedbed fringing waste water lagoons and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
permanent wetlands, especially at Abu Nakhla and Abu Hamour lagoons; also at Ras Laffan,<br />
Mesaieed and Dukhan.<br />
uses: El Amin notes that it is used for fodder, and also for thatching and firewood. Rizk & El-Ghazaly<br />
list many medicinal uses, including in <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> leukaemia, cholera, arthritis, coughs,<br />
earaches, fevers, nausea and toothache. The rhizome is used for acute arthritis and jaundice.<br />
notes: All records for <strong>Qatar</strong> refer to subsp. australis, but subsp. altissimus (Benth.) D. Rivera & M.A.<br />
Carreras occurs in Saudi Arabia and UAE (Cope).<br />
Photos: El Amin 25; Bat 120; Coll 403 L ; Corn 245; Jong 84; Mand 243; Phil 118; West 162.<br />
Poa annua L.<br />
Vernacular names: annual meadow grass<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Jan–Dec.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Reported by Batanouny as a rare weed <strong>of</strong> lawns.<br />
Photos: Coll 403 L ; Jong 85 L .<br />
Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. Plate 106<br />
طقلا ليذ<br />
Vernacular names: rabbit-foot grass, annual beard-grass, dhail al quT<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant in damp, sandy places; especially at <strong>the</strong> edges <strong>of</strong><br />
irrigation channels and freshwater lagoons. Tolerant <strong>of</strong> low levels <strong>of</strong> salinity.<br />
Photos: El Amin 25; Bat 120; Coll 406 L ; Corn 248; Jong 86; West 163.<br />
Rostraria pumila (Desf.) Tzvelev<br />
Koeleria pumila (Desf.) Domin; Lophochloa pumila (Desf.) Bor<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
POACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Sandy habitats; occasional in gardens; Dukhan township, 2007 (JN).<br />
uses: Mandaville and Jongbloed et al. note its value as a spring grazing grass.<br />
Photos: Coll 407 L ; Jong 88.
POACEAE<br />
Schismus arabicus Nees Plate 109<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Schismus species are frequent to abundant over <strong>Qatar</strong> in sandy soils. Cope<br />
describes <strong>the</strong> habitat <strong>of</strong> S. arabicus as ‘dry banks, wadi beds and sandy hollows’.<br />
uses: Widely known as an important grazing species across parts <strong>of</strong> Arabia, due to its abundance<br />
after rains.<br />
notes: Very closely related to S. barbatus; differences are given by Cope. Batanouny listed S. barbatus<br />
without mentioning S. arabicus, whilst El Amin listed as S. arabicus, with S. barbatus as a synonym.<br />
Both are confirmed for <strong>Qatar</strong> by Cope.<br />
Photos: Bat 120; Coll 408 L ; Corn 251.<br />
Schismus barbatus (L.) Thell.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Mar–Apr.<br />
status: Native. ?Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Described as ‘sandy plains, <strong>of</strong>ten overlying limestone’ (Cope).<br />
notes: See comments under S. arabicus.<br />
Photos: Coll 409 L ; Corn 251; Jong 90; Mand 246.<br />
Setaria verticillata (L.) P. Beauv.<br />
Vernacular names: rough bristle-grass, luSeeq<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. May.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> cultivated land.<br />
Photos: El Amin 25; Coll 410 L ; Corn 249; Jong 91; Pick 258; West 163.<br />
Setaria viridis (L.) P. Beauv.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. May.<br />
status: Introduced. Local. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: A weed <strong>of</strong> damp areas in farms and gardens.<br />
uses: The plant is applied externally for bruises; various medicinal uses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seed are reported<br />
(Rizk & El-Ghazaly).<br />
Photos: Coll 411 L .<br />
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.<br />
Vernacular names: Johnson grass<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Introduced. Rare. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from cultivated fields in C <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin). Cultivated as forage in many parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world (Mandaville).<br />
Photos: Coll 412 L ; Jong 93.<br />
Sorghum x drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) Millsp. & Chase<br />
Vernacular names: Sudan grass<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual or short-lived perennial grass. Fl. Not known.<br />
قيصل<br />
status: Native. First published record: Cope (2007). Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia.<br />
habitat & distribution: May occur in farm areas as an escape from cultivation.<br />
uses: Cultivated for fodder.<br />
notes: Derived from Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. and its wild ancestor S. arundinaceum (Desv.)<br />
Stapf. (Cope).<br />
Photos: None.<br />
Sphenopus divaricatus (Gouan) Rchb.<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Rare. Also recorded: Bahrain, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Previously recorded by El Amin from saline, sandy soils in S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Coll 412 L ; Jong 94 L .<br />
Sporobolus ioclados (Nees ex Trin.) Nees Plate 107<br />
Sporobolus arabicus Boiss.<br />
Vernacular names: Sakham, rashad, nejma<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
ةمجن ,دشار ,ماخص<br />
habitat & distribution: Dominant in moderately saline sandy and silty areas, including sabkha<br />
edge and o<strong>the</strong>r coastal habitats.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: El Amin 26, 141 L ; Bat 121; Coll 414 L ; Corn 242; Jong 95; Phil 119; West 164.<br />
Sporobolus spicatus (Vahl) Kunth<br />
Vernacular names: drop seed grass, Sakham<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Occasional to frequent in urban areas, particularly irrigated roadside<br />
plantations, lawns and gardens; tolerant <strong>of</strong> salinity.<br />
Photos: El Amin 136 L ; Coll 416 L ; Corn 251; Jong 96; Phil 120; West 164.<br />
Stipa capensis Thunb. Plates 98, 108<br />
Vernacular names: spear grass, fea<strong>the</strong>r grass, needle grass, Sama’a<br />
Growth form: <strong>An</strong>nual grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
82 83<br />
POACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent to abundant and <strong>of</strong>ten dominant after winter rains on compact,<br />
shallow sandy soils in rocky areas and hamada; also in shallow sandy depressions and runnels.<br />
uses: Batanouny remarks that it is grazed when young, but also that it can be injurious to animals,<br />
due to <strong>the</strong> sharp awns, when fruiting. Mandaville states that it is used as standing hay after fruits<br />
have fallen.<br />
Photos: El Amin 141 L ; Bat 122; Coll 417 L ; Corn 140; Jong 97; Mand 252; Phil 121.<br />
Stipagrostis ciliata (Desf.) De Winter<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Feb–Jul.<br />
status: Native. Rare. First published record: Cope (2007). Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
ماخص<br />
ةعمص
POACEAE / TyPHACEAE<br />
habitat & distribution: Seen only once recently, in W <strong>Qatar</strong> (S. Aspinall & JN, 2007), growing in<br />
compact, silty soil.<br />
Photos: Coll 418 L ; Jong 98; Mand 241.<br />
Stipagrostis obtusa (Delile) Nees<br />
Vernacular names: nuSi/naSi<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Common. Also recorded: E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in gravel plains, gravelly depressions and o<strong>the</strong>r areas with<br />
compact soil.<br />
uses: Used for fodder (El Amin).<br />
Photos: Bat 122; Coll 420 L .<br />
Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. <strong>An</strong>derson Plate 110<br />
Vernacular names: nuSi/naSi<br />
يصن<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Apr.<br />
status: Native. Very common. Also recorded: Bahrain, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Frequent in sandy habitats; possibly more so in C and S <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
uses: Noted by several authors to be good fodder for livestock. Mandaville and Batanouny mention<br />
it being ga<strong>the</strong>red in Saudi Arabia to supplement grazing, or sold as hay.<br />
Photos: El Amin 26; Bat 123; Coll 420 L ; Corn 237; Jong 99; Phil 122; West 165.<br />
Stipagrostis sokotrana (Vierh.) De Winter<br />
Vernacular names: nuSi/naSi<br />
يصن<br />
Growth form: Perennial grass. Fl. Not known.<br />
status: Native. ?Local. First published record: Cope (2007). Endemic to <strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula.<br />
Also recorded: Bahrain, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded at Ras Laffan (JN, 2004), but <strong>the</strong> specimen requires confirmation.<br />
Locally common here on compact, silty soils; may <strong>the</strong>refore be more widespread in N <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Photos: Corn 237; Phil 123.<br />
TYPHACEAE<br />
Typha domingensis (Pers.) Poir. ex Steud.<br />
Vernacular names: cat’s-tail, reedmace, bardi, booS, deeS<br />
سيد ,صوب ,يدرب<br />
Growth form: Perennial herb. Fl. May–Aug.<br />
status: Native. Local. Also recorded: Bahrain, Kuwait, E Saudi Arabia, UAE.<br />
habitat & distribution: Recorded from a small number <strong>of</strong> sites by Batanouny. It grows at Abu<br />
Nakhla wastewater ponds south <strong>of</strong> Doha (MAS) and is likely to be more frequent now, due to <strong>the</strong><br />
increase in permanently wet areas associated with sewage treatment works and irrigation schemes.<br />
uses: Batanouny notes that this species is used for many purposes such as baskets, paper-making<br />
and cattle feed in o<strong>the</strong>r countries. Ghazanfar reports that <strong>the</strong> flowers are used as a coolant for burns.<br />
Photos: Bat 14; Coll 720; Corn 257; Jong 104; Pick 260; Shuaib 51; West 167.<br />
يصن<br />
References & Bibliography<br />
The list <strong>of</strong> references includes all those cited in <strong>the</strong> text and additional key publications relating to <strong>Qatar</strong>, o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Gulf states or to <strong>the</strong> Arabian vegetation in general.<br />
Abbas, J.A. & El-Oqlah, A.A. (1992). Distribution and communities <strong>of</strong> halophytic plants in<br />
Bahrain. Journal <strong>of</strong> Arid Environments 22: 205–218.<br />
Abdel Bari E.M., Fahmy, G., Al Thani, N., Al Thani, R. & Abdel-Dayem, M. (2007). The Ghaf<br />
Tree, Prosopis cineraria in <strong>Qatar</strong>. <strong>Qatar</strong> University and National Council for Culture, Arts and<br />
Heritage, Doha.<br />
Abdel Bari, E.M. (1995). Ophioglossum polyphyllum A. Braun, A new record for <strong>Qatar</strong>. <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
University Science Journal 15(2): 369–372.<br />
Abdel Bari, E.M. (1997). Additions to <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>. <strong>Qatar</strong> University Science Journal 17(2):<br />
303–312.<br />
Abdul Majid, S. (2008). Vegetation mapping and anthropogenic effects in Al-Reem Biosphere<br />
Reserve in <strong>Qatar</strong>. MSc <strong>the</strong>sis, University College London.<br />
Abulfatih, H.A., Abdel Bari, E.M., Alsubaey, A. & Ibrahim, Y.M. (2001). Vegetation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Scientific and Applied Research Center (SARC), University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Al-Madheed, M.A. (2004). Guide to <strong>the</strong> wild plants in <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>. [in Arabic]<br />
<strong>An</strong>giosperm Phylogeny Group (2003). <strong>An</strong> update <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>An</strong>giosperm Phylogeny Group<br />
classification for <strong>the</strong> orders and families <strong>of</strong> flowering plants: APG II. Botanical Journal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Linnean Society 141: 399–436.<br />
<strong>An</strong>on (undated). Wild flora <strong>of</strong> Ras Laffan Industrial City. Information booklet published by<br />
Environment Section, Ras Laffan Industrial City.<br />
<strong>An</strong>on (undated). Mangrove Conservation Programme. Information booklet published by<br />
Environment Section, Ras Laffan Industrial City.<br />
Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (comp. El Amin, H.M.) (1983). Wild plants <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>. Published by AOAD, Khartoum (printed Richmond, UK).<br />
Babikir, A.A.A. (1984). Vegetation and environment on <strong>the</strong> coastal sand dunes and playas <strong>of</strong><br />
Khor El-Odaid area, <strong>Qatar</strong>. Geo-Journal 9: 377–385.<br />
Babikir, A.A.A. (1986). The vegetation <strong>of</strong> natural depressions in <strong>Qatar</strong> in relation to climate and<br />
soil. Journal <strong>of</strong> Arid Environments 10: 165–173.<br />
Barth, H-J & Böer, B. (eds), (2002). Sabkha ecosystems, Volume I: The Arabian Peninsula and adjacent<br />
countries, Tasks for Vegetation Science 36. Kluwer Academic Publishers, The Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands.<br />
Batanouny, K.H. (1981). Ecology and <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>. Alden Press, Oxford.<br />
Batanouny, K.H. (2001). Plants in <strong>the</strong> deserts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle East. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.<br />
Batanouny, K.H. & Turki, A.A. (1983). Vegetation <strong>of</strong> South Western <strong>Qatar</strong>. Arab Gulf J. Scient. Res.<br />
1: 5–19.<br />
Beier, B.-A., Chase, M.W. & Thulin, M. (2003). Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy <strong>of</strong><br />
subfamily Zygophylloideae (Zygophyllaceae) based on molecular and morphological data Plant<br />
Syst. Evol. 240: 11–39.<br />
Böer, B. (1999). Ecosystems, anthropogenic impacts and habitat management techniques in Abu<br />
Dhabi. Paderborner Geographische Studien 12 (University <strong>of</strong> Paderborn, Germany).<br />
84 85
Böer, B.B. & Norton, J.A. (1996a). Changes in <strong>the</strong> vegetation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> NARC Sweihan enclosure<br />
between 1993 and 1995. Internal Research Report, National Avian Research Centre, Abu Dhabi.<br />
Böer, B.B. & Norton, J.A. (1996b). Vegetation rehabilitation in an enclosure in Abu Dhabi.<br />
Fresenius Envir. Bull. 5: 79–84.<br />
Böer, B. & Al Hajiri, S. (2002). The coastal and sabkha flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>: <strong>An</strong> introduction. In: Barth,<br />
H-J & Böer, B. (eds), Sabkha ecosystems, Volume I: The Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries, Tasks<br />
for Vegetation Science 36, pp. 63–70. Kluwer Academic Publishers, The Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands.<br />
Boulos, L. (1999–2005). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Egypt, Vols 1–4. Al Hadara Publishing, Cairo.<br />
Boulos, L. & Al-Dosari, M. (1994). <strong>Checklist</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> Kuwait. Journal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong><br />
Kuwait (Science) 21: 203–281.<br />
Chaudhary, S.A. (1989). Grasses <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia. Ministry <strong>of</strong> Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.<br />
Chaudhary, S.A. (1999). Vegetation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kingdom <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia. Ministry Of Agriculture, KSA.<br />
Collenette, S. (1985). <strong>An</strong> illustrated guide to <strong>the</strong> flowers <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia. Meteorological and<br />
Environmental Protection Administration Publication No. 1. Scorpion Publishing, London.<br />
Collenette, S. (1999). Wildflowers <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia. National Commission for Wildlife Conservation<br />
and Development & Sheila Collenette, Riyadh.<br />
Cope, T.A. (2007). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula and Socotra. Volume 5, Part 1. Edinburgh University<br />
Press.<br />
Cornes, M.D. & Cornes, C.D. (1989). The wild flowering plants <strong>of</strong> Bahrain; an illustrated guide.<br />
IMMEL Publishing, London.<br />
Daoud, H.S. & Al-Rawi, A. (1985). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Kuwait. Volume 1: Dicotyledoneae. KPI Limited, London<br />
& University <strong>of</strong> Kuwait.<br />
Dickson (1938) and o<strong>the</strong>rs, etc. take refs from Mand. and mention in text.<br />
Dickson, H. (1951). To add. Referenced under Halocnemum strobilaceum.<br />
Dickson, V. (1955). The wild flowers <strong>of</strong> Kuwait and Bahrain. George Allen & Unwin, London.<br />
El Amin, H.M. (Arab Organization for Agricultural Development) (1983). Wild plants <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Published by AOAD, Khartoum (printed Richmond, UK).<br />
Ghazanfar, S.A. (1992). <strong>An</strong> annotated catalogue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vascular plants <strong>of</strong> Oman and <strong>the</strong>ir vernacular<br />
names. Scripta Botanica Belgica 2, National Botanic Garden <strong>of</strong> Belgium, Meise, Belgium.<br />
Ghazanfar, S.A. (1994). Handbook <strong>of</strong> Arabian medicinal plants. Springer, New York.<br />
Ghazanfar, S.A. (2003). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Oman, Volume 1, Piperaceae–Primulacaea. Scripta Botanica Belgica<br />
25. National National Botanic Garden <strong>of</strong> Belgium, Meise, Belgium.<br />
Ghazanfar, S.A. & Fisher, M., Eds (1998). Vegetation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula. Geobotany 25. Kluwer<br />
Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands.<br />
Gillespie, F. (2006). Discovering <strong>Qatar</strong>. Creative Writing and Photography, Rimons, France.<br />
Jongbloed, M., Western, A.R. & Böer, B. (2000). <strong>An</strong>notated check-list for plants in <strong>the</strong> U.A.E. Zodiac<br />
Publishing, Dubai, UAE.<br />
Jongbloed, M.V.D., Feulner, G.R., Böer, B. & Western, A.R. (2003). The comprehensive guide to <strong>the</strong><br />
wildflowers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Arab Emirates. Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency,<br />
Abu Dhabi.<br />
Mandaville, J.P. (1990). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Eastern Saudi Arabia. Kegan Paul International and NCWCD.<br />
Migahid, A.M. (1998). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> Saudi Arabia. Vols 1 & 2. Third Edition. University Libraries, King<br />
Saud University, Riyadh.<br />
Miller, A.G. & Cope, T.A. (1996). <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula and Socotra. Volume 1. Edinburgh<br />
University Press.<br />
Obeid, M. (1975). <strong>Qatar</strong> – study <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> natural vegetation. FAO AGO QAT/74/003.<br />
Phillips, D.C. (1988). Wild flowers <strong>of</strong> Bahrain. A field guide to herbs, shrubs and trees. Privately<br />
published, Bahrain.<br />
Pickering, H. & Patzelt, A. (2008). Field guide to <strong>the</strong> wild plants <strong>of</strong> Oman. Kew Publishing,<br />
Richmond, Surrey.<br />
Rizk, A.M. & El-Ghazaly, G.A. (1995). Medicinal and poisonous plants <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, Scientific and<br />
Applied Research Centre, University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Shuaib, L. (1995). Wild flowers <strong>of</strong> Kuwait. Stacey International, London.<br />
Tayab, M.R. (2002). Assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> distribution and abundance <strong>of</strong> flora and fauna along <strong>the</strong><br />
coastal areas <strong>of</strong> Ras Laffan Industrial City, <strong>Qatar</strong>. <strong>Qatar</strong> Petroleum Report.<br />
Western, A.R. (1989). The flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Arab Emirates: an introduction. United Arab Emirates<br />
University.<br />
Zohary, M. (1973). Geobotanical foundations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle East. Fischer Verlag.<br />
86 87
Internet Resources<br />
Aluka<br />
http://www.aluka.org<br />
‘Digital library <strong>of</strong> scholarly resources from and about Africa’. Resources for plants are extensive and<br />
include photographs <strong>of</strong> specimens from historical collections.<br />
ePIC (electronic Plant Information Centre) (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK)<br />
http://epic.kew.org/<br />
Provides a convenient way to search IPNI and various resources at Kew, including bibliographies,<br />
herbarium collections and seed database.<br />
Euro+Med PlantBase<br />
http://ww2.bgbm.org/EuroPlusMed/query.asp<br />
<strong>An</strong> on-line database and information system for <strong>the</strong> vascular plants <strong>of</strong> Europe and <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean<br />
region. At <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> going to press it covered three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> largest families: Asteraceae, Poaceae<br />
and Rosaceae, and 29 smaller families.<br />
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)<br />
http://data.gbif.org/welcome.htm<br />
Provides mapped world distributions for species, based on herbarium records, though <strong>the</strong>se do not<br />
include any collections from <strong>the</strong> Arabian Peninsula.<br />
Global Compendium <strong>of</strong> Weeds (GCW)<br />
http://www.hear.org/gcw/<br />
Useful information on status and world distribution <strong>of</strong> weed species.<br />
Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)<br />
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/index.pl?language=en<br />
Useful general information on taxonomy and world distribution <strong>of</strong> plants. Covers species occurring<br />
in <strong>the</strong> USA, but includes many species naturalised in <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
International Plant Names Index (IPNI)<br />
http://www.ipni.org/index.html<br />
Provides information on plant names and bibliographic details. A collaboration between The Royal<br />
Botanic Gardens, Kew, The Harvard University Herbaria, and <strong>the</strong> Australian National Herbarium.<br />
USDA Plants Database<br />
http://plants.usda.gov/index.html<br />
A searchable database <strong>of</strong> information about <strong>the</strong> vascular plants and lower plants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA and<br />
its territories.<br />
Wikipedia<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki<br />
Useful for general information on taxonomy, distribution and uses <strong>of</strong> many species.<br />
Index to Families and Species<br />
The alphabetical index covers scientific names <strong>of</strong> families and species listed in <strong>the</strong> main accounts and those<br />
referred to in <strong>the</strong> introductory pages, toge<strong>the</strong>r with additional species mentioned under Notes. Synonyms are<br />
shown in italics and plate numbers in bold.<br />
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi 6, 13<br />
Abutilon fruticosum 52<br />
Abutilon hirtum 52<br />
Abutilon pannosum 52<br />
Acacia arabica 38<br />
Acacia ehrenbergiana 38, 58<br />
Acacia flava 38<br />
Acacia nilotica 38<br />
Acacia raddiana 39<br />
Acacia spirocarpa 39<br />
Acacia tortilis 39, 59<br />
Acacia viii<br />
ACANTHACEAE 1<br />
Aeluropus lagopoides ix, 72, 99<br />
Aerva javanica 3<br />
Aerva persica 3<br />
Aerva tomentosa 3<br />
Agathophora alopecuroides 26<br />
Agathophora iraqensis 26<br />
Agriophyllum minus viii, 26, 43<br />
Agriophyllum montasiri 26<br />
AIZOACEAE 2<br />
Aizoon canariense 2, 6<br />
Aizoon hispanicum 2<br />
Alhagi camelorum 39<br />
Alhagi graecorum 39<br />
Alhagi maurorum 39<br />
Althaea ludwigii viii, 52<br />
AMARANTHACEAE 3<br />
Amaranthus chlorostachys 3<br />
Amaranthus gracilis 4<br />
Amaranthus graecizans 3<br />
Amaranthus hybridus 3<br />
Amaranthus viridis 3<br />
Ammi majus 4<br />
<strong>An</strong>abasis setifera 26, 40<br />
<strong>An</strong>agallis arvensis 54<br />
<strong>An</strong>astatica hierochuntica 17, 28, 29<br />
<strong>An</strong>chusa hispida 15, 24<br />
<strong>An</strong>drachne telephioides viii, 35, 56<br />
<strong>An</strong>ethum graveolens 4<br />
ANGIOSPERMAE 1<br />
<strong>An</strong>isantha madritensis 73<br />
<strong>An</strong>tirrhinum orontium 62<br />
APIACEAE 4<br />
APOCyNACEAE 5<br />
ARECACEAE 69<br />
Argyrolobium abyssinicum 39<br />
Argyrolobium arabicum 39<br />
Aristida abnormis 72<br />
Aristida adscensionis 72<br />
Aristida meccana 72<br />
Aristida mutabilis 72<br />
Arnebia decumbens 15<br />
Arnebia hispidissima 15, 22<br />
Artemisia herba-alba 6<br />
Artemisia inculta 6<br />
Artemisia sieberi 6<br />
Arthrocnemum glaucum 26<br />
Arthrocnemum macrostachyum ix, 26<br />
Arundo donax 73<br />
ASCLEPIADACEAE 5<br />
Asphodelus fistulosus 71<br />
Asphodelus tenuifolius 71<br />
Aster squamatus 14<br />
ASTERACEAE 6<br />
Asteriscus hierichunticus 11<br />
Asteriscus pygmaeus 11<br />
As<strong>the</strong>na<strong>the</strong>rum forsskaolii 74<br />
Astragalus annularis 39, 60<br />
Astragalus corrugatus 40<br />
Astragalus eremophilus viii, 40, 61<br />
Astragalus gyzensis 40<br />
Astragalus hamosus 40<br />
Astragalus hauarensis 40<br />
Astragalus schimperi 40<br />
Astragalus sieberi 41<br />
Astragalus tenuirugis 40<br />
Astragalus tribuloides 41<br />
Astragalus zubairensis 41<br />
Atractylis carduus 6, 14<br />
Atractylis flava 6<br />
88 89
Atriplex leucoclada 26, 41<br />
Avena sterilis 73<br />
Avicennia marina ix, 1, 4<br />
Avicennia <strong>of</strong>ficinalis 1<br />
Bassia eriophora 27<br />
Bassia muricata 27<br />
Beta vulgaris 27<br />
Bienertia cycloptera 27<br />
Blepharis ciliaris 2, 2<br />
Blepharis edulis 2<br />
Bolboschoenus maritimus 69<br />
BORAGINACEAE 15<br />
Brachypodium distachyum 73<br />
Brassica rapa 17<br />
Brassica tournefortii 17<br />
BRASSICACEAE 17<br />
Bromus danthoniae 73<br />
Bromus haussknechtii 73<br />
Bromus madritensis 73<br />
Bromus scoparius 73<br />
Bupleurum semicompositum 4<br />
Calendula arvensis 7<br />
Calendula tripterocarpa 7<br />
Calligonum comosum 57<br />
Calligonum polygonoides 57<br />
Calotropis procera 5, 8<br />
CAPPARACEAE x, 21<br />
Capparis spinosa 21<br />
Carduncellus eriocephalus 7<br />
Carrichtera annua 18<br />
Carthamnus eriocephalus 7<br />
CARyOPHyLLACEAE x, 22<br />
Cassia italica 46<br />
Cassia obovata 46<br />
Cassia occidentalis 47<br />
Cassia senna 46<br />
Casuarina cunninghamiana 25<br />
Casuarina equisetifolia 25<br />
CASUARINACEAE 25<br />
Cenchrus ciliaris 74, 92<br />
Cenchrus pennisetiformis 74<br />
Cenchrus setigerus 74<br />
Centaurea pseudosinaica 7<br />
Centaurea sinaica 7, 15<br />
Centaurium pulchellum 49<br />
Centropodia forsskaolii 74, 100<br />
Chamaesyce arabica 35<br />
Chamaesyce granulata 35<br />
Chamaesyce hirta 36<br />
Chamaesyce prostrata 36<br />
Chamaesyce serpens 36<br />
CHENOPODIACEAE 26<br />
Chenopodium aegyptiacum 31<br />
Chenopodium album 28<br />
Chenopodium murale 28<br />
Chloris barbata 74<br />
Chloris virgata 75<br />
Chrozophora obliqua 36<br />
Chrozophora oblongifolia 36<br />
Chrozophora tinctoria 36<br />
Chrozophora verbascifolia 36<br />
Chrysan<strong>the</strong>mum coronarium 8<br />
Chrysopogon gryllus 75<br />
Chrysopogon plumulosus 75, 95, 101<br />
Cichorium pumilum 7<br />
CISTACEAE 31<br />
Cistanche lutea 54<br />
Cistanche phelypaea 54<br />
Cistanche tinctoria 54<br />
Cistanche tubulosa 54, 76<br />
Citrullus colocynthis 34, 54<br />
CLEOMACEAE x<br />
Cleome africana 21<br />
Cleome amblyocarpa 21<br />
Cleome brachycarpa 21<br />
Cleome dolichostyla 22<br />
Cleome noeana 22<br />
Cleome scaposa 22<br />
Cocculus pendulus 53, 74<br />
COMBRETACEAE 32<br />
COMPOSITAE x<br />
Conocarpus lancifolius 32<br />
CONVOLVULACEAE 32<br />
Convolvulus arvensis 32<br />
Convolvulus buschiricus 32<br />
Convolvulus cephalopodus 32, 52<br />
Convolvulus deserti 33<br />
Convolvulus fatmensis 32<br />
Convolvulus glomeratus 33<br />
Convolvulus microphyllus 33<br />
Convolvulus pilosellifolius 33, 53<br />
Convolvulus prostratus 33<br />
Conyza bonariensis 8<br />
Conyza dioscoridis 11<br />
Conyza maritima 14<br />
Corchorus depressus viii, 64, 85<br />
Corchorus olitorius 65<br />
Corchorus trilocularis 65<br />
Cornulaca aucheri 28<br />
Cornulaca monacantha 28<br />
Cornulaca viii<br />
Coronopus didymus 19<br />
Cressa cretica 33<br />
CRUCIFERAE x<br />
Cryophytum nodiflorum 2<br />
Cucumis colocynthis 34<br />
Cucumis prophetarum 34<br />
CUCURBITACEAE 34<br />
Cullen plicata 41<br />
Cuscuta chinensis 33<br />
Cuscuta pedicellata 34<br />
Cuscuta pentagona 34<br />
Cutandia memphitica 75, 96<br />
Cymbopogon commutatus viii, 75<br />
Cymbopogon parkeri 75<br />
CyMODOCEACEAE 69<br />
Cynodon dactylon 76<br />
CyNOMORIACEAE 35<br />
Cynomorium coccineum 35, 55<br />
CyPERACEAE 69<br />
Cyperus aucheri 70<br />
Cyperus conglomeratus viii, 70, 70, 91<br />
Cyperus jeminicus 70<br />
Cyperus laevigatus 70<br />
Cyperus rotundus 70<br />
Dactyloctenium aegyptium 76<br />
Datura innoxia 63<br />
Dichanthium annulatum 76<br />
Dichanthium foveolatum 76, 97<br />
DICOTYLEDONEAE 1<br />
Digitaria sanguinalis 76<br />
Dipcadi erythraeum viii, 72, 93, 94<br />
Dipcadi serotinum 72<br />
Dipcadi unicolor 72<br />
Diplachne fusca 79<br />
Diplan<strong>the</strong>ra uninervis 69<br />
Diplan<strong>the</strong>ra wrightii 69<br />
Dipterygium glaucum 22, 33<br />
Dodonaea angustifolia 62<br />
Dodonaea viscosa 62<br />
Echinochloa colona 77<br />
Echiochilon jugatum 15, 23<br />
Echiochilon kotschyi 15<br />
Echium horridum 16<br />
Eclipta alba 7<br />
Eclipta prostrata 7<br />
Eleusine compressa 79<br />
Emex spinosa 58, 78<br />
Enicostema axillare 49<br />
Enicostema verticillatum 49<br />
Ephedra ciliata 1<br />
Ephedra foliata x, 1<br />
Ephedra peduncularis 1<br />
EPHEDRACEAE 1<br />
Eragrostis barrelieri 77<br />
Eragrostis cilianensis 77<br />
Eragrostis ciliaris 77<br />
Eragrostis pilosa 77<br />
Eremobium aegyptiacum 18, 30<br />
Eremobium lineare 18<br />
Eremopogon foveolatus 76<br />
Erigeron bonariensis 8<br />
Erodium bryoniifolium 50<br />
Erodium glaucophyllum ix, 49, 68<br />
Erodium laciniatum 50, 69<br />
Erodium oxyrrhynchum 50<br />
Erodium pulverulentum 50<br />
Eruca sativa 18<br />
Eruca vesicaria 18<br />
Erucaria crassifolia 18<br />
Erucaria hispanica 18<br />
Erucaria lineariloba 18<br />
Erythraea pulchella 49<br />
Euphorbia arabica 35<br />
Euphorbia cornuta 37<br />
Euphorbia dracunculoides 37<br />
Euphorbia geniculata 37<br />
Euphorbia granulata 35<br />
Euphorbia heterophylla 37<br />
Euphorbia hirta 36<br />
Euphorbia peplus 37<br />
Euphorbia prostrata 36<br />
Euphorbia retusa 37, 57<br />
Euphorbia serpens 36<br />
90 91
EUPHORBIACEAE 35<br />
FABACEAE 38<br />
Fagonia bruguieri 66<br />
Fagonia glutinosa 67<br />
Fagonia indica 66, 81<br />
Fagonia ovalifolia 67, 86<br />
Fagonia tenuifolia 67<br />
Farsetia arabica 19<br />
Farsetia hamiltonii 19<br />
Farsetia heliophila 19, 31<br />
Farsetia linearis 19<br />
Ficus carica 53<br />
Filago desertorum 8, 12<br />
Filago prolifera 8<br />
Filago spathulata 8<br />
Flaveria trinervia 8<br />
Foeniculum vulgare 4<br />
Forsskaolea tenacissima 65<br />
Forsskaolea viridis 65<br />
Francoeuria crispa 12<br />
Frankenia pulverulenta 49, 71<br />
FRANKENIACEAE 49<br />
Galium tricornutum 61<br />
Gastrocotyle hispida 15<br />
GENTIANACEAE 49<br />
GERANIACEAE 49<br />
Geranium molle 50<br />
Glebionis coronaria 8<br />
Glossonema edule 5<br />
Glossonema varians 5, 9, 10<br />
Gnaphalium luteo-album 9<br />
Gymnarrhena micrantha 8, 17<br />
GYMNOSPERMAE 1<br />
Halocnemum strobilaceum 28<br />
Halodule uninervis 69<br />
Halogeton alopecuroides 26<br />
Halopeplis perfoliata 29, 42<br />
Halophila ovalis 71<br />
Halophila stipulacea 71<br />
Halopyrum mucronatum 77<br />
Haloxylon ammodendron 29<br />
Haloxylon persicum 29<br />
Haloxylon salicornicum viii, 29, 44<br />
Hammada elegans 29<br />
Hammada salicornica 29<br />
Haplophyllum tuberculatum 61<br />
Helian<strong>the</strong>mum kahiricum ix, 31, 50<br />
Helian<strong>the</strong>mum lippii ix, 32, 51<br />
Heliotropium bacciferum 16, 25<br />
Heliotropium crispum 16<br />
Heliotropium kotschyi 16<br />
Heliotropium ramosissimum 16<br />
Heliotropium zeylanicum 16<br />
Henrardia pubescens 78<br />
Herniaria hemistemon 22, 34<br />
Herniaria hirsuta 22<br />
Hippocrepis areolata 41<br />
Hippocrepis bicontorta 41<br />
Hippocrepis constricta 41<br />
Hippocrepis multisiliquosa 42<br />
Hippocrepis unisiliquosa 42<br />
Hordeum glaucum 78<br />
Hordeum murinum 78<br />
Hordeum vulgare 78<br />
HyDROCHARITACEAE 71<br />
Hymenocarpos circinnatus 42<br />
Hyparrhenia hirta 78<br />
Ifloga spicata 9, 18<br />
Indig<strong>of</strong>era articulata 42<br />
Indig<strong>of</strong>era intricata 42, 62<br />
Indig<strong>of</strong>era oblongifolia 42<br />
JUNCACEAE 71<br />
Juncellus laevigatus 70<br />
Juncus arabicus 71<br />
Juncus maritimus 71<br />
Juncus rigidus 71<br />
Koeleria pumila 81<br />
Koelpinia linearis 9, 19<br />
LABIATAE x<br />
LAMIACEAE 50<br />
Laphangium luteoalbum 9<br />
Lappula spinocarpos 16<br />
Lasiurus hirsutus 78<br />
Lasiurus scindicus 78, 98, 102<br />
Lathyrus inconspicuus 42<br />
Launaea capitata 9<br />
Launaea cassiniana 10<br />
Launaea fallax 10<br />
Launaea glomerata 9<br />
Launaea goraeensis 9<br />
Launaea mucronata 10<br />
Launaea nudicaulis 10<br />
Launaea procumbens 10<br />
Lawsonia alba 51<br />
Lawsonia inermis 51<br />
LEGUMINOSAE x<br />
Lepidium aucheri 19<br />
Lepidium didymum 19<br />
Lepidium sativum 19<br />
Leptadenia pyrotechnica 6, 11<br />
Leptochloa fusca 79<br />
LILIACEAE 71<br />
Limonium axillare ix, 57, 79<br />
Limonium carnosum 57<br />
LINACEAE 51<br />
Linum strictum 51<br />
Lippia nodiflora 66<br />
Lithospermum callosum 16<br />
Lithospermum kotschyi 15<br />
Lolium rigidum 79<br />
Lophochloa pumila 81<br />
LORANTHACEAE 51<br />
Loranthus acaciae 51<br />
Lotononis dichotoma 43<br />
Lotononis platycarpa 43<br />
Lotus garcinii 43<br />
Lotus glinoides 43<br />
Lotus halophilus 43, 63<br />
Lotus platycarpa 43<br />
Lotus pusillus 43<br />
Lotus schimperi 43<br />
Lotus villosus 43<br />
Lycium shawii viii, ix, 63, 84<br />
LyTHRACEAE 51<br />
Malva nicaeensis 52<br />
Malva parviflora 52<br />
MALVACEAE 52<br />
Matricaria aurea 10<br />
Matricaria auriculata 14<br />
Matricaria chamomilla 10<br />
Matricaria recutita 10<br />
Matthiola longipetala 19<br />
Medicago aschersoniana 43<br />
Medicago laciniata 43<br />
Medicago polymorpha 44<br />
Medicago sativa 44<br />
Melilotus albus 44<br />
Melilotus indicus 44<br />
MENISPERMACEAE 53<br />
Mercurialis annua 37<br />
Mesembryan<strong>the</strong>mum<br />
cryptanthum 2, 5<br />
Mesembryan<strong>the</strong>mum forskahlii 2<br />
Mesembryan<strong>the</strong>mum<br />
nodiflorum 2, 7<br />
Misopates orontium 62<br />
MOLLUGINACEAE 53<br />
Mollugo cerviana 53<br />
Moltkiopsis ciliata 16, 27<br />
MONOCOTYLEDONEAE 69<br />
Monsonia heliotropioides 50<br />
Monsonia nivea 50, 72<br />
MORACEAE 53<br />
Morus nigra 53<br />
MyRSINACEAE 54<br />
Nerium mascatense 5<br />
Nerium oleander 5<br />
Neurada procumbens 54, 75<br />
NEURADACEAE 54<br />
Ochradenus aucheri 59<br />
Ochradenus baccatus 59<br />
Ochradenus dewittii 59<br />
Ochthochloa compressa 79, 103<br />
Odontospermum pygmaeum 11<br />
Ogastemma pusillum 17, 26<br />
Oligomeris linifolia 60<br />
Oligomeris subulata 60<br />
Ononis reclinata 45<br />
Ononis sicula 45<br />
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE 1<br />
Ophioglossum polyphyllum x, 1, 3<br />
Opophytum forskahlii 2<br />
OROBANCHACEAE 54<br />
Orobanche ramosa 55<br />
OxALIDACEAE 55<br />
Oxalis cernua 55<br />
Oxalis corniculata 55<br />
Oxalis corymbosa 55<br />
Oxalis debilis 55<br />
Oxalis pes-caprae 55<br />
Pallenis hierichuntica 11<br />
Panicum turgidum viii, 79, 104<br />
Parapholis incurva 80<br />
Parietaria alsinifolia 66<br />
92 93
Parkinsonia aculeata 45<br />
Paronychia arabica 23, 35<br />
Paspalidium desertorum 80<br />
Pennisetum dichotomum 80<br />
Pennisetum divisum 80, 105<br />
Pennisetum setaceum 80<br />
Pentanema divaricatum 11<br />
Phalaris minor 80<br />
Phalaris paradoxa 81<br />
Phoenix dactylifera 69, 90<br />
Phragmites australis ix, 81<br />
Phragmites communis 81<br />
Phyla nodiflora 66<br />
Phyllanthus amarus 38<br />
Phyllanthus niruri 38<br />
Physalis angulata 63<br />
Picris aspleniodes 11<br />
Picris cyanocarpa 11<br />
Picris radicata 11<br />
PLANTAGINACEAE 55<br />
Plantago amplexicaulis 55<br />
Plantago ciliata 56, 77<br />
Plantago commutate 56<br />
Plantago coronopus 56<br />
Plantago lanceolata 56<br />
Plantago ovata 56<br />
Plantago psyllium 57<br />
Plicosepalus acaciae 51<br />
Pluchea dioscoridis 11<br />
PLUMBAGINACEAE 57<br />
Poa annua 81<br />
POACEAE 72<br />
Polycarpaea repens ix, 23, 36<br />
Polycarpaea robbairea 23<br />
Polycarpaea spicata 23<br />
Polycarpon tetraphyllum 23<br />
Polygala erioptera 57<br />
Polygala irregularis 57<br />
POLyGALACEAE 57<br />
POLyGONACEAE 57<br />
Polygonum argyrocoleum 58<br />
Polygonum bellardii 58<br />
Polygonum equisetiformis 58<br />
Polypogon monspeliensis ix, 81, 106<br />
Portulaca oleracea 59<br />
PORTULACACEAE 59<br />
Prosopis cineraria vi, 45, 64<br />
Prosopis juliflora vi, viii, 45, 65<br />
Psoralea plicata 41<br />
PTERIDOPHYTA 1<br />
Pulicaria crispa 12<br />
Pulicaria gnaphalodes 12<br />
Pulicaria sicula 12<br />
Pulicaria undulata viii, 12, 16<br />
Pulicaria undulata 12<br />
Raphanus sativus 19<br />
Reichardia orientalis 12<br />
Reichardia tingitana 12, 20<br />
Reseda arabica 60<br />
Reseda aucheri 60<br />
Reseda muricata 60<br />
Reseda subulata 60<br />
RESEDACEAE 59<br />
RHAMNACEAE 60<br />
Rhanterium epapposum 12, 21<br />
Rhynchosia minima 46<br />
Ricinus communis 38<br />
Robbairea delileana 23<br />
Rostraria pumila 81<br />
RUBIACEAE 61<br />
Rumex cyprius 58<br />
Rumex dentatus 58<br />
Rumex spinosus 58<br />
Rumex vesicarius 59, 82<br />
RUTACEAE 61<br />
Salicornia europaea 29, 45<br />
Salicornia herbacea 29<br />
Salicornia maritima 29<br />
Salsola alopecuroides 26<br />
Salsola baryosma 30<br />
Salsola cyclophylla 30<br />
Salsola drummondii 30<br />
Salsola foetida 30<br />
Salsola imbricata 30, 46<br />
Salsola mandavillei 30<br />
Salsola schweinfurthii 30<br />
Salsola soda 29<br />
Salsola vermiculata 30<br />
Salsola villosa 30<br />
Salsola ix, 46<br />
Salvadora persica 61<br />
SALVADORACEAE 61<br />
Salvia aegyptiaca 50, 70<br />
SAPINDACEAE 62<br />
Savignya parviflora 20, 32<br />
Schanginia aegyptiaca 31<br />
Schanginia baccata 31<br />
Schimpera arabica 20<br />
Schimpera persica 20<br />
Schismus arabicus 82, 109<br />
Schismus barbatus 82<br />
Scirpus maritimus 69<br />
Sclerocephalus arabicus ix, 24, 38<br />
Scorpiurus muricatus 46<br />
Scrophularia deserti 62, 80<br />
SCROPHULARIACEAE 62<br />
Seetzenia lanata 67, 87<br />
Seetzenia orientalis 67<br />
Seidlitzia rosmarinus viii, 31, 47<br />
Senecio coronopifolius 13<br />
Senecio desfontainei 13<br />
Senecio glaucus 13<br />
Senecio vulgaris 13<br />
Senna alexandrina 46<br />
Senna italica 46, 66<br />
Senna occidentalis 47<br />
Sesbania aegyptiaca 47<br />
Sesbania sesban 47<br />
Setaria verticillata 82<br />
Setaria viridis 82<br />
Silene arabica 24<br />
Silene conica 24<br />
Silene villosa 24, 39<br />
Sinapis arvensis 20<br />
Sisymbrium erysimoides 20<br />
Sisymbrium irio 20<br />
Sisymbrium orientale 20<br />
SOLANACEAE 63<br />
Solanum elaeagnifolium 63<br />
Solanum nigrum 63<br />
Solanum villosum 63<br />
Sonchus asper 13<br />
Sonchus cassinianus 10<br />
Sonchus maritimus 13<br />
Sonchus oleraceus 14<br />
Sonchus tenerrimus 14<br />
Sorghum arundinaceum 83<br />
Sorghum bicolor 83<br />
Sorghum halepense 82<br />
Sorghum x drummondii 83<br />
Spergula fallax 24, 37<br />
Spergularia bocconei 24<br />
Spergularia diandra 25<br />
Sphenopus divaricatus 83<br />
Sporobolus arabicus 83<br />
Sporobolus ioclados 83, 107<br />
Sporobolus spicatus 83<br />
Stachytarphaeta angustifolia 66<br />
Statice axillaris 57<br />
Stellaria media 25<br />
Stellaria pallida 25<br />
Stipa capensis ix, 83, 98, 108<br />
Stipagrostis ciliata 83<br />
Stipagrostis obtusa 84<br />
Stipagrostis plumosa 84, 110<br />
Stipagrostis sokotrana 84<br />
Stipagrostis ix<br />
Suaeda aegyptiaca 31, 48<br />
Suaeda fruticosa 31<br />
Suaeda vermiculata 31, 49<br />
Symphyotrichum squamatum 14<br />
TAMARICACEAE 64<br />
Tamarix aphylla 64<br />
Tamarix aucheriana 64<br />
Tamarix passerinoides 64<br />
Tamarix ramosissima 64<br />
Tamarix ix<br />
Taverniera aegyptiaca 47<br />
Taverniera aegyptiaca 47<br />
Taverniera spartea 47<br />
Tetraena qatarensis viii, ix, 67, 88<br />
Tetraena simplex 68, 89<br />
Teucrium polium 51, 73<br />
TILIACEAE 64<br />
Torilis nodosa 5<br />
Trachynia distachya 73<br />
Traganum nudatum 31<br />
Trian<strong>the</strong>ma pentandra 3<br />
Tribulus arabicus 68<br />
Tribulus cistoides 68<br />
Tribulus pterophorus 68<br />
Tribulus terrestris 68<br />
Trifolium resupinatum 48<br />
Trigonella anguina 48<br />
94 95
Trigonella glabra 48<br />
Trigonella hamosa 48<br />
Trigonella monantha 48<br />
Trigonella stellata 48, 67<br />
Tripleurospermum auriculatum 14<br />
Typha domingensis 84<br />
TyPHACEAE 84<br />
UMBELLIFERAE x<br />
Urospermum picroides 14<br />
Urtica urens 66<br />
URTICACEAE 65<br />
Vaccaria hispanica 25<br />
Vaccaria pyramidata 25<br />
VERBENACEAE 66<br />
96<br />
Veronica cymbalaria 63<br />
Vicia monantha 49<br />
Vicoa pentanema 11<br />
xanthium spinosum 14<br />
Zaleya pentandra 3<br />
Zilla spinosa 21<br />
Ziziphus mauritiana 60<br />
Ziziphus nummularia viii, 61, 83<br />
Ziziphus spina-christi 61<br />
ZyGOPHyLLACEAE 66<br />
Zygophyllum coccineum 68<br />
Zygophyllum mandavillei 68<br />
Zygophyllum qatarense 67<br />
Zygophyllum simplex 68
About this Book<br />
The State <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>, situated in <strong>the</strong> Arabian Gulf, covers over 11,000 km 2 <strong>of</strong> land surface and has more<br />
than 600 km <strong>of</strong> coastline. It supports a wide variety <strong>of</strong> natural habitats including limestone desert, rocky<br />
escarpments, coastal saltmarshes, natural depressions filled with fertile sand and silt, gravel plains and sand<br />
dunes. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with various man-made habitats <strong>the</strong>se support a surprisingly rich and varied plant life. This<br />
checklist provides details <strong>of</strong> nearly 400 species <strong>of</strong> vascular plants that have been recorded in <strong>Qatar</strong>, including<br />
at least 270 that are native and about 125 that are introduced. English and Arabic vernacular names are given<br />
where known, toge<strong>the</strong>r with summary information on rarity status in <strong>Qatar</strong>, growth form, flowering period,<br />
habitat, distribution and uses.<br />
The checklist provides an up-to-date scientific reference for ecologists and o<strong>the</strong>rs carrying out research on<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>’s habitats and vegetation. Two <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> authors are local <strong>Qatar</strong>is, who have studied <strong>the</strong> flora as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
academic careers. The checklist updates information published more than 25 years ago by previous botanists<br />
working in <strong>the</strong> country, notably Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Batanouny who published his Ecology and <strong>Flora</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> in 1981. The<br />
checklist will also be useful to local people and visitors interested in <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
In recent years many <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>’s natural habitats have come under threat from <strong>the</strong> inevitable increase in urban,<br />
industrial and tourism developments. Many non-native plants have been introduced with food, livestock and<br />
forestry imports and some are having detrimental effects on native species. Coastal ecosystems supporting<br />
mangroves, saltmarsh and seagrass beds are particularly under threat both in <strong>Qatar</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Gulf. It is important, <strong>the</strong>refore, that both <strong>the</strong> native and naturalised flora are monitored to inform impact<br />
assessments, ecosystem management and conservation measures. In this regard <strong>the</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation<br />
with support from UNESCO and Maersk Oil <strong>Qatar</strong> are setting up <strong>the</strong> Quranic Botanic Garden in <strong>Qatar</strong> to<br />
maintain a living collection <strong>of</strong> native plants for scientific and educational purposes. These organisations have<br />
generously supported <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> this checklist as an important element in biodiversity conservation<br />
and environmental education. It is hoped that <strong>the</strong> checklist will add to <strong>the</strong> developing knowledge-base <strong>of</strong><br />
plant taxonomy and vegetation ecology amongst <strong>Qatar</strong>i botanists and stimulate interest and understanding<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> natural habitats and flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>.