Floccise woolly flowers of Aerva javanica (Aerva persica, Iresine javanica, local names towayim, tarfa, tirf, Tuwaim) on roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014Aerva persica, Aerva tomentosa, Iresine javanica, Iresine persica
Desert cotton, El Rowa, kapok bush, tarfa, tirf, towayim, Tuwaim, twaim
Aerva javanica (Hindi: बुई), the kapok bush or desert cotton, is a species of plant in the Amaranthaceae family. It has a native distribution incorporating much of Africa (including Madagascar), and the south-west and south of Asia.
Aerva javanica is a perennial herb native to tropical and subtropical regions. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in sandy and saline areas, tolerating high temperatures and drought. Studies have reported its presence in various parts of the country, including coastal and inland areas. The plant's adaptability to Qatar's arid environment makes it a notable species in the region's flora.
Floccise woolly flowers of Aerva javanica (Aerva persica, Iresine javanica, local names towayim, tarfa, tirf, Tuwaim) on roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Aerva javanica (local names towayim, tarfa, tirf, Tuwaim) on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Aerva javanica with woolly flowers on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Floccise woolly flowers of Aerva javanica on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Aerva javanica (Aerva persica, Iresine javanica, local names towayim, tarfa, tirf, Tuwaim) in a depression on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana (Karana, Al Kiranah), south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Aerva javanica (local names towayim, tarfa, tirf, Tuwaim) in Jaow Al Hamar depression south from Trainah. Southern Qatar, November 6, 2015
Aerva javanica (local names towayim, tarfa, tirf, Tuwaim) near a wall of Barzan 2 compound in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 27, 2016
Aerva javanica with woolly flowers on Al Mawrid Street in Al Lejbailat area. Doha, Qatar, May 26, 2016Aerva javanica was observed to have floccose woolly flowers on the roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, with sightings recorded in February and April 2014. The plant was also found in a depression on the roadside near Karaana, as well as in Al Luqta area, where large plants were seen. In November 2015, it was spotted in Jaow Al Hamar depression in southern Qatar. Further observations were made in January 2016 near Barzan 2 compound and in May 2016 on Al Mawrid Street in Al Lejbailat area, with the plant displaying woolly flowers. The local names for Aerva javanica include towayim, tarfa, tirf, and Tuwaim. The plant was found in various locations across Qatar, including Doha and southern regions.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.