Anastatica hierochuntica - Flora of Qatar

Birkaan, jefaiea, jumay Fatimah, kaf al athra, kaf mariam, qufayah, rose of Jericho, Virgin's Hand

Anastatica is a monotypic genus with the type species Anastatica hierochuntica. The genus is a member of the family Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae), in the division Magnoliophyta of the class Magnoliopsida. The plant is a small gray annual herb that rarely grows above 15 centimetres (6 in) high, and bears minute white flowers. It is a tumbleweed and a resurrection plant.[+]

The most commonly used common name in English may be rose of Jericho; other common names include dinosaur plant, Jericho rose, Mary's flower, Mary's hand, Palestinian tumbleweed, resurrection plant, St. Mary's flower, true rose of Jericho, and wheel. About the name "rose of Jericho", the 16th century herbalist John Gerard is said to have remarked The coiner of the name spoiled it in the mint; for of all plants that have been written of not any are more unlike unto the rose.

This species is not to be confused with Selaginella lepidophylla, also known as rose of Jericho and false rose of Jericho.

AI-generated Description

Anastatica hierochuntica, also known as the "Resurrection Plant" or "Jericho Rose", is a desert plant that can survive extreme drought by curling up its branches and entering a state of dormancy. In Qatar, this plant has been found to thrive in arid environments, such as sandy dunes and rocky outcrops. Studies have shown that A. hierochuntica is able to revive quickly after rainfall, unfurling its branches and producing flowers within a short period. Its unique adaptation allows it to survive the harsh desert conditions of Qatar, making it an interesting subject for botanical research in the region.

Desert plant Virgin's Hand (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) near Sawda Natheel Road in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014

سودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطر

Blooming Virgin's Hand (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) on a roadside of Abu Samra Road in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014

طريق سلوى، Qatar

Desert plant Virgin's Hand (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014

خط الوكير، Qatar

Inwardly curved, woody branches of Virgin's Hand plant (Anastatica hierochuntica local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) in Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014

Unnamed Road, Mazra`at Turayna, Qatar

Inwardly curved, woody branches of Virgin's Hand plant (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) taken from Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014

Woody branches with seeds of Virgin's Hand plant (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) taken from Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014

Inwardly curved branches with seeds of Virgin's Hand plant (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) taken from Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014

Curved branches with seeds of Virgin's Hand plant (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) taken from Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014

Inwardly curved, woody branches of Virgin's Hand plant (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) on roadside of a road from Dukhan to Al Jumayliyah. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014

Garafat Al Rayyan and Dukhan Highway, Qatar

Inwardly curved branches of Virgin's Hand plant (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) on roadside of a road from Dukhan to Al Jumayliyah. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014

Garafat Al Rayyan and Dukhan Highway, Qatar

Blooming Virgin's Hand (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014

Salwa Road, Qatar

Virgin's Hand (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) in sand on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014

Salwa Rd, Qatar

Seeds of Virgin's Hand (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) in sand on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014

Salwa Rd, Qatar

Virgin's Hand (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms in northern Qatar, May 2, 2014

Unnamed Road, Qatar

Dry curved branches with seeds of Virgin's Hand plant (Anastatica hierochuntica) on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015

Dukhan Hwy, Qatar

Semi-spherical plant of Virgin's Hand (Anastatica hierochuntica, local names kaf mariam, jefaiea) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, January 15, 2016

Dukhan Hwy, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

The Anastatica hierochuntica plant was observed in various locations throughout Qatar, including southern and western regions, between February 2014 and April 2016. The plant was found growing in sand and on roadides, with observations noting its inwardly curved, woody branches and seeds. Blooming plants were also spotted, particularly in February and April 2014. The plant's shape varied, with some appearing semi-spherical or large, while others had dry, curved branches with seeds. Local names for the plant included "kaf mariam" and "jefaiea". The observations suggest that the plant is widespread in Qatar and can thrive in different environments, including roadside depressions and sandy areas. The plant's appearance changed over time, with some observations noting its dry, seed-bearing branches in December 2015.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Anastatica hierochuntica L.

Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article