Lower (abaxial) hairy surface of basal leaf of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015Brassica sisymbrioides, Brassica stocksii, Eruca erecta, Erucastrum minutiflorum, Erucastrum tournefortii, Sinapis caspica
African mustard, Asian mustard, qarraS, shiltam, wild-turnip
The mustard species Brassica tournefortii is known by the common names Asian mustard, African mustard, and Sahara mustard, and is well known as an invasive species, especially in California.[+]
Brassica tournefortii, also known as Asian mustard or Sahara mustard, is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. In Qatar, it has been found growing in coastal areas, saline flats, and disturbed habitats. Studies have reported its presence in various locations, including the northeastern coast and inland areas. The plant is characterized by its small yellow flowers, hairy stems, and pinnatifid leaves. Its ability to thrive in salty environments makes it a common sight in Qatar's arid landscapes.
Lower (abaxial) hairy surface of basal leaf of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Basal rosette of divided hairy leaves of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Dramatic lush basal leaves with stiff hairy, lobed and serrate petioles of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Early season seedlings of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Young, early season plant of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Small flowers and beaked fruits of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Small yellow flowers of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Early season blooming plants of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Hairy basal leaves of Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, January 15, 2016
Sahara mustard (Asian mustard, wild-turnip, Brassica tournefortii) on periphery of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, March 5, 2016The plant Brassica tournefortii, also known as Sahara mustard or Asian mustard, was observed to have hairy basal leaves with stiff, lobed, and serrate petioles. The lower surface of the leaves was found to be hairy. The plant produces small yellow flowers and beaked fruits. In its early season, it forms a basal rosette of divided hairy leaves. As it grows, it develops into a lush plant with dramatic leaves. The plant was observed in various stages of growth, from seedlings to blooming plants, in different locations in Qatar, including Irkhaya Farms and roadside depressions near Dukhan Highway. The observations were made over several months, from December 2015 to March 2016, indicating the plant's ability to thrive in Qatar's 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.