Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarPoaceaeCutandia memphitica

Cutandia memphitica (Spreng.) Benth.

Synonyms

Cutandia dichotoma, Cutandia scleropoides, Dactylis memphitica, Festuca caspica, Festuca divaricata, Festuca memphitica, Sclerochloa memphitica, Scleropoa caspica, Scleropoa memphitica

Common names

Memphis grass

Extract from Wikipedia article

Cutandia is a genus of Asian and Mediterranean plants in the grass family. It is native to lands extending from Portugal and Cape Verde to Pakistan and Kazakhstan.[+]

AI-generated Description

Cutandia memphitica is an annual grass native to North Africa and the Middle East. In Qatar, it has been found growing in sandy and saline areas, often in association with other desert plants. It is a small, tufted grass that can tolerate high temperatures and salinity, making it well-suited to Qatar's arid environment. Local studies have reported its presence in various regions of the country, including the northern and central areas, where it grows during the winter months.

Young grass Cutandia memphitica on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 29, 2016
LinkYoung grass Cutandia memphitica on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 29, 2016
Grass of Cutandia memphitica in sand on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 29, 2016
LinkGrass of Cutandia memphitica in sand on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 29, 2016
Young spike of grass Cutandia memphitica on dunes south from Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 9, 2016
LinkYoung spike of grass Cutandia memphitica on dunes south from Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 9, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Fuwayriţ, Qatar
Spikes of grass Cutandia memphitica on dunes south from Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 9, 2016
LinkSpikes of grass Cutandia memphitica on dunes south from Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 9, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Fuwayriţ, Qatar
Grass Cutandia memphitica in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
LinkGrass Cutandia memphitica in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Spikelets of grass Cutandia memphitica in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
LinkSpikelets of grass Cutandia memphitica in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Close up of grass Cutandia memphitica in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
LinkClose up of grass Cutandia memphitica in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwayrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Grass Cutandia memphitica in sand on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
LinkGrass Cutandia memphitica in sand on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwayrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Spike of grass Cutandia memphitica in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
LinkSpike of grass Cutandia memphitica in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwayrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Grass Cutandia memphitica in sand on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
LinkGrass Cutandia memphitica in sand on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Close up of grass Cutandia memphitica on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
LinkClose up of grass Cutandia memphitica on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Cutandia memphitica grass on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016
LinkCutandia memphitica grass on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016
Location on mapsFuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Grass of Cutandia memphitica on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 19, 2016
LinkGrass of Cutandia memphitica on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Cutandia memphitica grass on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 19, 2016
LinkCutandia memphitica grass on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Cutandia memphitica was observed growing on rocky ridges and dunes in Northern Qatar, specifically on Jebel Fuwairit and south from Fuwairit. The grass was found in various stages of growth, including emerging flower spikes, young grass, and mature spikes with spikelets. It was often seen growing in sand or dew-covered areas, suggesting it can thrive in a range of conditions. Observations were made over several weeks, from January 29 to March 19, 2016, indicating the grass is active during this period. The plant's ability to grow on rocky ridges and dunes suggests it is adapted to Qatar's arid environment. Close-up observations revealed details of the grass's spikelets and overall appearance, providing a comprehensive understanding of Cutandia memphitica in its natural habitat.

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.