Home Page > Picture Archives > > Brassicaceae > Zilla spinosa
Bunias spinosa, Zilla microcarpa, Zilla myagroides
Shabram, shaga, silla
Zilla spinosa is a thorny, succulent shrub native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it is commonly found growing in coastal saline soils, sandy dunes, and rocky outcrops. It has been recorded in various locations throughout the country, including the northeastern coast and inland areas. The plant's ability to tolerate high salinity and drought makes it well-suited to Qatar's arid environment. Local studies have noted its importance as a food source for native wildlife, such as camels and gazelles, and its potential use in traditional medicine.
Blooming bush of Zilla spinosa (Bunias spinosa, local name shabram) on a roadside of Abu Samra Road in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Salwa Rd, Qatar
Flowers of Zilla spinosa (Bunias spinosa, local name shabram) on a roadside of Abu Samra Road in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014Salwa Rd, Qatar
Dense flowers of Zilla spinosa (Bunias spinosa, local name shabram) on a roadside of Abu Samra Road in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014Salwa Rd, Qatar
Close up of flowers of Zilla spinosa (Bunias spinosa, local name shabram) on a roadside of Abu Samra Road in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014Salwa Rd, Qatar
Large bush of Zilla spinosa (Bunias spinosa, local name shabram) on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014Salwa Road, Al-Kiranah, Qatar
Fruits of Zilla spinosa carpeting the ground on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014Salwa Rd, Qatar
Dry seeds of Zilla spinosa on the ground on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014Salwa Rd, Qatar
Bush of Zilla spinosa (Bunias spinosa, local name shabram) on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana. Qatar, January 22, 2016Salwa Rd, Al-Kiranah, Qatar
Flowers of Zilla spinosa (Bunias spinosa, local name shabram) on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana. Qatar, January 22, 2016Salwa Rd, Al-Kiranah, Qatar
Flower of Zilla spinosa (Bunias spinosa, local name shabram) on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana. Qatar, January 22, 2016Salwa Rd, Al-Kiranah, Qatar
Blooming Zilla spinosa (Bunias spinosa, local name shabram) on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana. Qatar, January 22, 2016Salwa Rd, Al-Kiranah, Qatar
Zilla spinosa (local name shabram) in Al Harrarah. Qatar, March 4, 2016Unnamed Road, Al Kharrara, Qatar
Zilla spinosa (local name shabram) in a green depression in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016Unnamed Road, Al Kharrara, Qatar
Zilla spinosa (local name shabram) near Ziziphus bushes in a green depression in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016Unnamed Road, Al Kharrara, Qatar
Bush of Zilla spinosa (local name shabram) in a green depression in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016Unnamed Road, Al Kharrara, Qatar
Zilla spinosa (local name shabram) with green fruits in a green depression in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016Unnamed Road, Al Kharrara, QatarBlooming bushes of Zilla spinosa were observed on roadsides in southern Qatar, particularly on Abu Samra Road and Salwa Road. The plant produced dense flowers, which were followed by fruits that carpeted the ground. Dry seeds were also found on the ground near the plants. Observations were made at different times of the year, with blooming bushes seen in February and January, and fruits present in April. The plant was also found growing in green depressions in Harrarah, often near other vegetation like Ziziphus bushes. In some cases, the bushes produced green fruits, indicating ongoing growth and development. Overall, Zilla spinosa appears to be a common and widespread species in southern Qatar, thriving in roadside and depression habitats. Its growth patterns and fruit production were observed over several months.
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