Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarAmaranthaceaeArthrocnemum macrostachyum

Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) K. Koch

Synonyms

Arthrocnemum fruticosum, Arthrocnemum glaucum, Arthrocnemum indicum, Arthrocnemum virginicum, Salicornia glauca, Salicornia macrostachya, Salicornia virginica

Common names

Ajram, glaucous glasswort, hamadh, qulaam, shinaan

My notes

Some pictures may show Salicornia europaea instead of this plant.

AI-generated Description

Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a shrub or small tree native to coastal areas of the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found growing in saline environments, such as mangrove swamps and salt marshes. It is adapted to tolerate high salinity and can thrive in areas with limited freshwater availability. The plant's presence in Qatar indicates a unique ecological niche, where it plays a role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat for local wildlife.

Salt marsh with plants of Glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) in southeast coastal area near Mesaieed. Qatar, January 29, 2010
LinkSalt marsh with plants of Glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) in southeast coastal area near Mesaieed. Qatar, January 29, 2010
Glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) with tiny flowers near Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, March 7, 2014
LinkGlaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) with tiny flowers near Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, March 7, 2014
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) on Umm Tays Island in Madinat Al Shamal area. Qatar, March 14, 2014
LinkGlasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) on Umm Tays Island in Madinat Al Shamal area. Qatar, March 14, 2014
Location on mapsMadinat Al Shamal - Al Gharya Road, Qatar
Glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) on a beach of Umm Tays Island in Madinat Al Shamal area. Qatar, March 14, 2014
LinkGlasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) on a beach of Umm Tays Island in Madinat Al Shamal area. Qatar, March 14, 2014
Location on mapsMadinat Al Shamal - Al Gharya Road, Qatar
Seedling of Glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) near Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, September 26, 2014
LinkSeedling of Glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) near Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, September 26, 2014
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, October 9, 2014
LinkGlasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, October 9, 2014
Location on mapsRose area Road, Qatar
Twig of Glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) turning yellow taken from Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, November 8, 2014
LinkTwig of Glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) turning yellow taken from Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, November 8, 2014
Glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, November 28, 2014
LinkGlaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, November 28, 2014
Location on mapsRose area Road, Qatar
Yellowish shoots of glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) in salt marsh near Al Thakira. Qatar, December 5, 2014
LinkYellowish shoots of glaucous glasswort (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum) in salt marsh near Al Thakira. Qatar, December 5, 2014
Location on mapsFish Roundabout, Qatar
Parasitic plant Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa) with a host plant Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (glasswort, local name shnaan) in Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, January 9, 2015
LinkParasitic plant Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa) with a host plant Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (glasswort, local name shnaan) in Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, January 9, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum in Qatar reveal that it is a salt-tolerant succulent plant commonly found in coastal areas, including salt marshes and beaches. It has been spotted in various locations, such as Mesaieed, Purple Island, Umm Tays Island, and Al Thakira. The plant often hosts the parasitic Desert Hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa) and produces tiny flowers. Its twigs can turn yellow, and its shoots can appear yellowish, especially in salt marshes. Arthrocnemum macrostachyum has been observed throughout the year, with seedlings emerging in September and blooming plants seen in March. The plant's local name is "shnaan" or "glasswort", and it is also known as Glaucous glasswort due to its glaucous leaves. It grows well in Qatar's coastal environments.

Links

Outside links

How the web page was created

Acknowledgements

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