Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarMenispermaceaeCocculus pendulus

Cocculus pendulus (J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) Diels

Synonyms

Adenocheton phyllanthoides, Bricchettia somalensis, Cebatha esculenta, Cebatha pendula, Cocculus cebatha, Cocculus ellipticus, Cocculus epibaterium, Cocculus glabra, Cocculus laevis, Cocculus leaeba, Cocculus recisus, Epibaterium pendulum, Epibaterium scandens, Leaeba dubia, Menispermum edule, Menispermum ellipticum, Menispermum epibaterium, Menispermum leaeba

Common names

Cocculus pendulum, gurdhi, Khuneeq, khuneigh

AI-generated Description

Cocculus pendulus, also known as Sea Berry or Polygonum vine, is a climbing plant native to tropical Africa and Asia. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and can be found growing in coastal areas, particularly on sandy dunes and rocky shores. Studies have reported its presence in various locations throughout the country, including the northeastern coast and offshore islands. The plant's ability to thrive in Qatar's arid environment is likely due to its tolerance of high temperatures, salt spray, and drought. Its occurrence in Qatar has been documented by researchers, who note its potential as a halophyte (salt-tolerant plant) for coastal conservation and restoration efforts.

Cocculus pendulus vine (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) on a dry tree near Karaana (Karana, Al Kiranah), south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
LinkCocculus pendulus vine (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) on a dry tree near Karaana (Karana, Al Kiranah), south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Location on mapsSalwa Rd, Al-Kiranah, Qatar
Red berry on a vine of Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) near Karaana (Karana, Al Kiranah), south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
LinkRed berry on a vine of Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) near Karaana (Karana, Al Kiranah), south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Location on mapsSalwa Road, Al-Kiranah, Qatar
Vine of Cocculus pendulus in Rawdat Mahyoub on roadside of a road to Al Jumayliyah in north-western Qatar, December 6, 2014
LinkVine of Cocculus pendulus in Rawdat Mahyoub on roadside of a road to Al Jumayliyah in north-western Qatar, December 6, 2014
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Twig of Cocculus pendulus from Rawdat Mahyoub on roadside of a road to Al Jumayliyah in north-western Qatar, December 6, 2014
LinkTwig of Cocculus pendulus from Rawdat Mahyoub on roadside of a road to Al Jumayliyah in north-western Qatar, December 6, 2014
Location on mapsAl Rayyan, Qatar
Plant of Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
LinkPlant of Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
Location on mapsDukhan Hwy, Qatar
Vine of Cocculus pendulus on a fence on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
LinkVine of Cocculus pendulus on a fence on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
Location on mapsDukhan Hwy, Qatar
Young plant of Cocculus pendulus climbing on a fence on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
LinkYoung plant of Cocculus pendulus climbing on a fence on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
Location on mapsDukhan Hwy, Qatar
Trailing shoot of Cocculus pendulus on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
LinkTrailing shoot of Cocculus pendulus on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
Location on mapsDukhan Hwy, Qatar
Climbing shoot of Cocculus pendulus on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
LinkClimbing shoot of Cocculus pendulus on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
Location on mapsDukhan Hwy, Qatar
Cocculus pendulus grown on a dead bush on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
LinkCocculus pendulus grown on a dead bush on roadside of Dukhan Road. Shahaniya, Qatar, December 4, 2015
Location on mapsDukhan Hwy, Qatar
Cocculus pendulus growing on dry Ziziphus bushes in a silty depression Thaghab Al Majda near a road to Zubara. Qatar, December 5, 2015
LinkCocculus pendulus growing on dry Ziziphus bushes in a silty depression Thaghab Al Majda near a road to Zubara. Qatar, December 5, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Cap of Cocculus pendulus on a dry bush of Ziziphus in a silty depression Thaghab Al Majda near a road to Zubara. Qatar, December 5, 2015
LinkCap of Cocculus pendulus on a dry bush of Ziziphus in a silty depression Thaghab Al Majda near a road to Zubara. Qatar, December 5, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Green cap of Cocculus pendulus on a dry bush of Ziziphus in a silty depression Thaghab Al Majda near a road to Zubara. Qatar, December 5, 2015
LinkGreen cap of Cocculus pendulus on a dry bush of Ziziphus in a silty depression Thaghab Al Majda near a road to Zubara. Qatar, December 5, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Green berry like galls on a branch of Cocculus pendulus taken from a roadside depression north from Shekhaniya. Qatar, January 22, 2016
LinkGreen berry like galls on a branch of Cocculus pendulus taken from a roadside depression north from Shekhaniya. Qatar, January 22, 2016
Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) in a silty depression near a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016
LinkCocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) in a silty depression near a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Hanging branches of Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) in a silty depression near a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016
LinkHanging branches of Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) in a silty depression near a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Red berries and green galls on Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) found on roadside of a road from Khawzan to Al-Jumayliyah. Qatar, April 9, 2016
LinkRed berries and green galls on Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) found on roadside of a road from Khawzan to Al-Jumayliyah. Qatar, April 9, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Red berries of Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) found on roadside of a road from Khawzan to Al-Jumayliyah. Qatar, April 9, 2016
LinkRed berries of Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) found on roadside of a road from Khawzan to Al-Jumayliyah. Qatar, April 9, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Cocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) in a park of Qatar University. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2016
LinkCocculus pendulus (local names khuneigh, gurdhi) in a park of Qatar University. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2016
Location on mapsAl Jamiaa St, Doha, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Cocculus pendulus vines were observed growing on dry trees, fences, and bushes in various locations throughout Qatar, including near Karaana, Rawdat Mahyoub, and along the Dukhan Road. The plant was found to produce red berries and green, berry-like galls. In some areas, such as Thaghab Al Majda and Al Magdah farms, the vine grew on Ziziphus bushes, forming a canopy of branches. The plant was also observed climbing on fences and growing in silty depressions. Observations were made at different times of the year, from April to February, with varying stages of growth and fruiting noted. The plant's local names, khuneigh and gurdhi, were also recorded. Overall, Cocculus pendulus appears to be a common and adaptable species in Qatar, able to thrive in a range of environments.

Links

Outside links

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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.