Home Page > Picture Archives > > Fabaceae > Alhagi maurorum
Alhagi camelorum, Alhagi kirghisorum, Alhagi persarum, Alhagi pseudalhagi, Hedysarum alhagi, Hedysarum pseudalhagi
Aagoal, aaqool, Camel Thorn, camelthorn-bush, Verblyuzhia Kolyuchka
Alhagi maurorum is a species of legume commonly known, variously, as camelthorn, camelthorn-bush, Caspian manna, and Persian mannaplant. This shrub is native to the region extending from the Mediterranean to Russia, but has been introduced to many other areas of the world, including Australia, southern Africa, and the western United States. The perennial plant grows from a massive rhizome system which may extend over six feet into the ground. New shoots can appear over 20 feet from the parent plant. Above the ground, the plant rarely reaches four feet in height. It is a heavily branched, gray-green thicket with long spines along the branches. It bears small, bright pink to maroon pea flowers and small legume pods, which are brown or reddish and constricted between the seeds. The seeds are mottled brown beans.
Alhagi maurorum, also known as camelthorn or manna tree, is a thorny, leguminous shrub native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in arid and saline environments, such as coastal sabkhas and sandy dunes. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, including the northeastern coast and inland areas. The plant is adapted to survive in harsh conditions, with a deep root system allowing it to access groundwater. Its ability to tolerate high salinity and drought makes it a common sight in Qatar's desert landscapes.
Camelthorn bush (Alhagi maurorum) on a beach in the area of Al Hamala (Al Hamlah) Water Well near Umm Bab. South-western Qatar, November 7, 2014
56, Umm Bab, Qatar
Camelthorn bush (Alhagi maurorum) on a beach in the area of Al Hamala (Al Hamlah) near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, November 29, 201456, Umm Bab, Qatar
Camelthorn bush (Alhagi maurorum) in sand on a beach in the area of Al Hamala (Al Hamlah) near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, November 29, 201456, Umm Bab, Qatar
Camelthorn bush (Alhagi maurorum) in a silty depression near Al Nuaman (Numan) in north-western Qatar, December 12, 2014Ash Shamal, Qatar
Camelthorn bush (Alhagi maurorum) in a silty depression in Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, January 8, 2015Unnamed Road, Qatar
Plant of camel's thorn (Alhagi maurorum) in a silty depression in Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, January 8, 2015Unnamed Road, Qatar
Camelthorn bush (Alhagi maurorum) in a silty depression in Al Numan (Naim tribe, Nuaman, Nuaimiya). Northern Qatar, January 24, 2015Ash Shamal, Qatar
Camelthorn plants (Alhagi maurorum) in a silty depression in Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, March 20, 2015Ash Shamal, Qatar
Shoot of camelthorn plant (Alhagi maurorum) with small leaves in a silty depression in Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, March 20, 2015Ash Shamal, Qatar
Blooming camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum) taken from Rawdat Al Faras Research Station (RAFRS, or Qatar University Farm) near Al Zubara Road. Qatar, May 29, 2015
Flower of camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum) taken from Rawdat Al Faras Research Station (RAFRS) near Al Zubara Road. Qatar, May 29, 2015
Close up of flowers of camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum) taken from Rawdat Al Faras Research Station (RAFRS, or Qatar University Farm) near Al Zubara Road. Qatar, May 29, 2015
Flower and fruits of camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum) taken from Rawdat Al Faras Research Station (RAFRS) near Al Zubara Road. Qatar, May 29, 2015
Inflorescence of camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum) taken from Rawdat Al Faras Research Station (RAFRS) near Al Zubara Road. Qatar, May 29, 2015
Flower of Camelthorn bush (Alhagi maurorum) in a silty depression near Al Nuaman (Numan) in north-western Qatar, October 24, 2015Unnamed Road, Qatar
Camelthorn bush (Alhagi maurorum) in Jaow Al Hamar depression south from Trainah. Southern Qatar, November 6, 2015Unnamed Road, Mazra`at Turayna, Qatar
Camelthorn bush (Alhagi maurorum) with fresh leaves in Jaow Al Hamar depression south from Trainah. Southern Qatar, November 6, 2015Unnamed Road, Mazra`at Turayna, QatarCamelthorn bushes (Alhagi maurorum) were observed in various locations in Qatar, including beaches and silty depressions. In south-western Qatar, they were found on beaches near Umm Bab, with observations recorded in November 2014. In northern Qatar, they were seen in silty depressions near Al Nuaman and Zubara, with multiple observations between December 2014 and March 2015. The plants were also found in Jaow Al Hamar depression in southern Qatar, with fresh leaves observed in November 2015. Additionally, blooming camelthorn plants were observed at Rawdat Al Faras Research Station near Al Zubara Road in May 2015, with close-up photos of flowers and fruits taken. The observations suggest that Camelthorn bushes are widely distributed in Qatar and can thrive in different environments. They were also found to have small leaves and produce flowers and fruits.
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