Prostrate plant of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) with tiny flowers on roadside of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014Boerhavia atomaria, Boerhavia discolor, Boerhavia elongata, Boerhavia paniculata, Boerhavia scabrida, Boerhavia thornberi, Boerhavia virgata
Spiderling
Mostly seen as a prostrate form with narrow leaves. It could be B. diffusa.
Boerhavia erecta is one of the many species that is present in the genus Boerhavia L. Commonly known as the erect spiderling or the erect boerhavia, it is a member of the Nyctaginaceae family with a chromosome number of 52. Boerhavia erecta is native to the United States, Mexico, Central America and western South America, but the erect spiderling is now present in different tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In Africa, the distribution spans from West Africa to the east of Somalia and South Africa. It has recently been introduced to the east of Madagascar in Réunion. In Asia, it is present in India, Java, Malaysia, the Philippines, China and the Ryukyu Islands. Boerhavia erecta is an extraordinary species of plant that is useful and unique through its physical characteristics and genetic composition.
Boerhavia erecta is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family. It is an annual or perennial herb with erect stems, lance-shaped leaves, and small white or pink flowers.
In Qatar, Boerhavia erecta has been found to grow in sandy areas, coastal plains, and along roadsides. According to botanical surveys, it is a relatively common plant in the country, particularly during the winter months when it blooms. The plant's adaptability to arid environments makes it well-suited to Qatar's desert climate.
While there may be limited research specifically focused on Boerhavia erecta in Qatar, its presence has been documented by local botanists and researchers studying the country's flora. Further study of this plant could provide insights into its ecological role and potential uses in Qatari ecosystems.
Prostrate plant of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) with tiny flowers on roadside of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014
Spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) growing near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Blooming spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) growing near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Mat of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Shoots of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) with flowers near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Close up of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Dense growth of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Shoot of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Shoot of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) with flowers near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Shoot of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) with fruits near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Habitat of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Close up of shoot of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, May 1, 2015
Shoots of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, May 1, 2015
Fleshy shoot of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, May 1, 2015
Back side of a shoot of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) taken from Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, May 1, 2015
Back side of leaves of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) taken from Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, August 21, 2015
Reddish shoot of spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) taken from Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, August 21, 2015
Spiderling (Boerhavia erecta) near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 22, 2016The Boerhavia erecta plant was observed to be prostrate with tiny flowers, growing near ponds and on fields with center-pivot irrigation in Irkhaya Farms, Qatar. It formed dense mats and had fleshy shoots with leaves. The plant was seen blooming in April and had reddish shoots in August. It grew in a variety of habitats, including roadside areas and fields, and was observed to have fruits and flowers at different times. The plant's growth and appearance were documented over several months, from October 2014 to April 2016, with observations noting its ability to thrive in the local environment.
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.