Flower of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014Cucumis amarus, Cucumis anguria, Cucumis arabicus, Cucumis foetidus, Cucumis mascatensis, Cucumis pustulatus
Hadaj, hadak, henaidhlan, wild gourd
Cucumis prophetarum, also known as the wild cucumber or prophet's gourd, is a vining plant native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found growing in coastal areas, particularly in sandy soils and saline environments. Research studies have documented its presence in various regions of Qatar, including the northeastern coast and inland areas. The plant's adaptability to harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and salinity, makes it well-suited to Qatar's arid environment. Local flora surveys have noted Cucumis prophetarum as a common species in Qatar's wild flora, often growing alongside other desert plants like Zygophyllum and Lycium.
Flower of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Green fruits of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Yellow flower with ovary of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Ripe fruit of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Yellow fruit on a plant of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Close up of a ripe yellow fruit of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Close up of a green fruit of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Fruit of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) taken from roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Green fruit of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) taken from roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Dissected fruit of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) taken from roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Ripe fruit of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) taken from Umm Houtah in Southern Qatar, January 16, 2015
Seeds of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on dark background taken from Umm Houtah in Southern Qatar, January 16, 2015
Wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road from Khawzan to Al-Jumayliyah. Qatar, April 9, 2016
Flower of wild gourd (Cucumis prophetarum) on roadside of a road from Khawzan to Al-Jumayliyah. Qatar, April 9, 2016The plant Cucumis prophetarum was observed in various locations in Qatar, including near Zubara and Umm Houtah. It produced yellow flowers with ovaries and green fruits that turned yellow when ripe. The fruits were found on the roadside and were often picked for closer examination. Dissection of the fruit revealed its internal structure. Seeds from the fruit were also collected and examined. The plant was seen growing in different areas, including near roads and in southern Qatar. Observations were made over a period of time, from December 2014 to April 2016, allowing for documentation of the plant's growth and development. The fruits and flowers were photographed in various stages, providing a detailed record of the plant's characteristics.
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.