Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarFabaceaeAstragalus eremophilus

Astragalus eremophilus Boiss.

Synonyms

Astragalus chudaei, Astragalus cremophilos, Astragalus falcinellus, Astragalus geniorum, Astragalus schimperi

Common names

Halag, milkvetch

My notes

Most pictures probably show Astragalus hauarensis instead of A. eremophilus.

AI-generated Description

Astragalus eremophilus is a perennial legume native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in sandy dunes and plains, often in areas with low vegetation cover. Research studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, including the northern and central parts of the country. The plant's adaptations to the arid environment of Qatar include deep roots to access water and small leaves to reduce transpiration. However, due to its limited distribution and potential threats from habitat degradation, Astragalus eremophilus is considered a species of conservation concern in Qatar.

Astragalus eremophilus with a green caterpillar in sand near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
LinkAstragalus eremophilus with a green caterpillar in sand near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Location on mapsسودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطر
Milkvetch Astragalus eremophilus near a road to Sawda Natheel in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
LinkMilkvetch Astragalus eremophilus near a road to Sawda Natheel in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Location on mapsالريان, قطر
Seeds of Astragalus eremophilus(?) near Dukhan Road. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014
LinkSeeds of Astragalus eremophilus(?) near Dukhan Road. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014
Location on mapsGarafat Al Rayyan and Dukhan Highway, Qatar
Milkvetch Astragalus eremophilus(?) near Dukhan Road. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014
LinkMilkvetch Astragalus eremophilus(?) near Dukhan Road. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014
Location on mapsGarafat Al Rayyan and Dukhan Highway, Qatar
Milkvetch Astragalus eremophilus on a gravel plane in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
LinkMilkvetch Astragalus eremophilus on a gravel plane in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Astragalus eremophilus with fruits on a gravel plane in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
LinkAstragalus eremophilus with fruits on a gravel plane in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Astragalus eremophilus in Qatar show that the plant grows in various environments, including sandy areas and gravel planes. It was spotted in the south-western region, near Jebel Al-Nakhsh, and southern Qatar, near roads to Saudi Arabia and Sawda Natheel. The plant's hairy leaves were observed on sand, and a green caterpillar was found on one specimen. Seeds of the plant were also identified near Dukhan Road in Western Qatar. In 2016, the plant was seen in windblown sand on Salwa Road and on a gravel plane in Harrarah, where it produced fruits. The observations took place between February 2014 and April 2016, indicating that Astragalus eremophilus is present in Qatar during the winter and spring months. The plant's ability to thrive in different conditions suggests its adaptability to the Qatari environment.

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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.