Cornulaca monacantha (local names thalj, thallaj) in sand dunes near Inland Sea Road. Southern Qatar, March 5, 2014Djouri, had, hadh, sallj, thalj, thallaj
Cornulaca monacantha is a species of flowering plant in the genus Cornulaca, that is now included in the family Amaranthaceae, (formerly Chenopodiaceae). It is a desert plant found in the Middle East and the Sahara, and the southern end of its range is considered to delineate the edge of the desert. In Arabic it is known as had and djouri, and the Tuareg people call it tahara. It was first described in 1813 by the French botanist Alire Raffeneau Delile.
Cornulaca monacantha, also known as the prickly saltwort, is a succulent shrub native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it is commonly found in coastal and inland areas, tolerating high salinity and arid conditions. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, including the northern and southern parts of the country, where it grows on sandy soils and salt flats. The plant's ability to thrive in harsh environments makes it a significant component of Qatar's flora, providing habitat and food for local wildlife.
Cornulaca monacantha (local names thalj, thallaj) in sand dunes near Inland Sea Road. Southern Qatar, March 5, 2014
Bush of Cornulaca monacantha (local names thalj, thallaj) in sand dunes near Inland Sea Road. Southern Qatar, March 5, 2014
Desert plant Cornulaca monacantha (local names thalj, thallaj) in sand dunes near Inland Sea Road. Southern Qatar, March 5, 2014
Blooming Cornulaca monacantha(?) on roadside of Salwa Road near Karaana, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014
Cornulaca monacantha taken from roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 10, 2015
Close up of Cornulaca monacantha taken from roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 10, 2015
Old bush of Cornulaca monacantha in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Cornulaca monacantha with sand ripples on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Cornulaca monacantha in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Cornulaca monacantha on stony ground on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Cornulaca monacantha in sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Cornulaca monacantha(?) in sand mound on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Cornulaca monacantha in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Southern Qatar, July 11, 2015
Small bush of Cornulaca monacantha (local names thalj, thallaj) in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Southern Qatar, March 18, 2016
Desert plant Cornulaca monacantha (local names thalj, thallaj) in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh). South-western Qatar, March 25, 2016
Cornulaca monacantha (local names thalj, thallaj) on roadside in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh). South-western Qatar, June 10, 2016
Cornulaca monacantha (local names thalj, thallaj) in windblown sand on roadside in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh). South-western Qatar, June 10, 2016Cornulaca monacantha is found in various locations in Qatar, including sand dunes near Inland Sea Road and along Salwa Road. It grows in windblown sand, on stony ground, and in sand mounds, often forming small bushes. The plant has been observed blooming in March and April, with flowers present on the stems. It is also found in areas with sand ripples, indicating its ability to thrive in shifting sands. Local names for the plant include "thalj" and "thallaj". Observations were made over several years, from 2014 to 2016, in southern and south-western Qatar, including areas such as Rawdat Ekdaim, Khashem Al Nekhsh, and Jebel Al-Nakhsh. The plant's adaptability to different environments is evident in its widespread presence in the region.
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.