Yellow distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) in desert of Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 2, 2012Atractylis candida, Atractylis citrina, Atractylis flava, Centaurea carduus
Jalwa, laymoni, lumi al barr, shuweikh, shuwwaykh, White Thistle, Yellow distaff-thistle
Atractylis carduus is a thistle-like perennial plant native to North Africa and parts of Asia, including the Arabian Peninsula. It has been found in Qatar, where it grows in arid environments and sandy soils. In Qatar, Atractylis carduus typically blooms from February to April, producing white or yellowish flowers. The plant is known for its spiny leaves and stems, which can be hazardous to livestock. Local researchers have noted that Atractylis carduus is a common species in Qatar's desert flora, often found in areas with low vegetation cover.
Yellow distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) in desert of Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 2, 2012
Yellow distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) in desert near industrial zone of Ras Laffan, north from Doha. Qatar, March 23, 2013
Yellow distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) near a road north from Ash Shahaniyah. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014
Distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) in a runnel north from Dukhan in western Qatar, March 3, 2014
Yellow distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) in a small wadi near Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms. South-western Qatar, March 29, 2014
Fluffy seeds of distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Dry plant of distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus) with fluffy seeds on a roadside near Abu Nahlah. Qatar, April 25, 2014
Distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms in northern Qatar, May 2, 2014
Fluffy seeds of Distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms in northern Qatar, May 2, 2014
Yellow distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 20, 2015
Distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) with a flower bud in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Close up of a flower bud of distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus) in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Flower of distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) taken from a roadside of Salwa Highway. Southern Qatar, April 8, 2016
Crashed flower of distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) taken from a roadside of Salwa Highway. Southern Qatar, April 8, 2016
Distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) on a gravel plane near a road to Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
Dry plant of distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus) with fluffy seeds near Mesaieed. Southern Qatar, May 27, 2016
Fluffy seeds of distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus) taken from roadside near Mesaieed. Qatar, May 27, 2016
Fluffy seed head of distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) in a depression near Film City north from Zekreet in Ras Abrouq Peninsula. Qatar, June 24, 2016
Distaff-thistle (Atractylis carduus, local names jalwa, laymoony, shuwwaykh) with fruits in a depression near Film City north from Zekreet in Ras Abrouq Peninsula. Qatar, June 24, 2016The Atractylis carduus plant was observed in various locations throughout Qatar, including the deserts of Harrarah, near industrial zones, and along roadsides. It was found in western, southern, and northern parts of the country, often growing in dry, rocky areas or depressions. The plant produced yellow flowers, which eventually formed fluffy seeds that dispersed in the wind. Observations were made over several years, from 2012 to 2016, with the plant appearing in different stages of growth, including budding, flowering, and seed production. Local names for the plant included jalwa, laymoony, and shuwwaykh. The plant's seeds were often found on dark backgrounds or against rocky backdrops, highlighting their fluffy texture. Overall, the observations suggest that Atractylis carduus is a widespread and adaptable species in Qatar.
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.