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Cuminum cyminum, Selinum coriandrum
Chinese parsley, cilantro, coriander, dhania
Coriander (UK /ˌkɒrɪˈændə/; US /ˈkɔːriˌændər/ or /ˌkɔːriˈændər/; Coriandrum sativum), also known as cilantro (/sɪˈlɑːntroʊ/), Chinese parsley or dhania, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. Coriander is native to regions spanning from southern Europe and North Africa to southwestern Asia. It is a soft plant growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink, asymmetrical, with the petals pointing away from the centre of the umbel longer (5–6 mm or 0.20–0.24 in) than those pointing toward it (only 1–3 mm or 0.039–0.118 in long). The fruit is a globular, dry schizocarp 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) in diameter. Although sometimes eaten alone, the seeds are often used as a spice or an added ingredient in other foods.
Coriandrum sativum, also known as coriander or cilantro, is an annual herb native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. In Qatar, archaeological findings have revealed that coriander was cultivated and consumed by ancient inhabitants, with evidence dating back to the Neolithic period (around 6,000-8,000 years ago). Excavations at sites such as Al Da'asa and Zubarah have uncovered coriander seeds, indicating its importance in the traditional cuisine and trade of the region. Today, coriander remains a popular ingredient in Qatari cooking, often used to flavor local dishes like machboos (a rice dish with meat or fish) and umm ali (a dessert pudding).
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) in a roadside vegetable garden near Harrarah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
خط الوكير، Qatar
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) with white background taken from Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) on Al Maha Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016Al Maha St, Doha, Qatar
Close up of flowers of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) on Al Maha Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016Al Maha St, Doha, Qatar
Blooming coriander (Coriandrum sativum) on Al Maha Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016Al Maha St, Doha, QatarCoriander plants were observed growing in various locations in Qatar, including roadside gardens and urban areas. In southern Qatar, coriander was spotted in a vegetable garden near Harrarah in February 2014. In the Al Luqta area of Doha, coriander was found on multiple occasions, with observations recorded in March 2015 and February 2016. The plants were seen growing on Al Maha Street, with flowers blooming in February 2016. Close-up photographs of the flowers were taken, showcasing their details. The coriander plants were also observed to be blooming, indicating a thriving presence in the region. These observations suggest that coriander is able to grow and flourish in Qatar's climate, particularly in urban and roadside areas. The plant's ability to thrive in these environments is notable, given the country's arid desert climate.
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.