Centaurea sinaica is an annual herb native to the Middle East. In Qatar, it has been found growing in sandy areas and coastal regions, typically blooming from February to May. It produces small, pinkish-purple flowers and has been identified as a rare or occasional species within the country's flora.
Flower bud of Centaurea sinaica (Centaurea pseudosinaica, Amberboa crupioides, local names birkan, murrar) near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Blooming Centaurea sinaica (Centaurea pseudosinaica, Amberboa crupioides, local names birkan, murrar) on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Centaurea sinaica (local names birkan, murrar) with seeds and flowers on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Centaurea sinaica (local names birkan, murrar) with seeds on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Almost dry Centaurea sinaica (local names birkan, murrar) with seeds on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Centaurea sinaica (local names birkan, murrar) in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Centaurea sinaica in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Thorny plant of Centaurea sinaica (Centaurea pseudosinaica, Amberboa crupioides, local names birkan, murrar) in windblown sand on southern side of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Southern Qatar, March 18, 2016
Small blooming plant of Centaurea sinaica (local names birkan, murrar) on roadside in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh). South-western Qatar, March 25, 2016
Centaurea sinaica (local names birkan, murrar) in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Qatar, April 8, 2016
Centaurea sinaica (local names birkan, murrar) in windblown sand near Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 8, 2016
Centaurea sinaica (local names birkan, murrar) on roadside in Al Ameria near a road to Sawda Natheel. Southern Qatar, April 15, 2016
AI-generated summary of observations
Centaurea sinaica was observed in various locations in Qatar, including near Umm Bab, Salwa Road, and Rawdat Ekdaim. The plant was seen in different stages of growth, from flower buds to blooming and seed production. It was found growing in windblown sand on roadside areas, often in dry conditions. The observations were made between February 2014 and April 2016, with multiple sightings in southern Qatar. The plant was identified by its local names, birkan and murrar, and was noted to be thorny in some cases. It was also observed in areas such as Khashem Al Nekhsh, Jebel Al-Nakhsh, and Al Ameria, indicating a wide distribution in the region. Overall, Centaurea sinaica appears to be a common plant species in Qatar's desert environments.