Eleusine indica - Flora of Qatar

Agropyron geminatum, Chloris repens, Cynodon indicus, Cynosurus ara, Cynosurus indicus, Cynosurus pectinatus, Eleusine distachya, Eleusine distans, Eleusine domingensis, Eleusine glabra, Eleusine gonantha, Eleusine gouinii, Eleusine inaequalis, Eleusine japonica, Eleusine macrosperma, Eleusine marginata, Eleusine polydactyla, Eleusine rigidifolia, Eleusine scabra, Eleusine textilis, Juncus loureiroana, Leptochloa pectinata, Paspalum dissectum, Poa spicata, Triticum geminatum

Common names

My notes

Extract from Wikipedia article

Eleusine indica (Indian goosegrass, wiregrass, crowfootgrass) is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is a small annual grass distributed throughout the warmer areas of the world to about 50 degrees latitude. It is an invasive species in some areas.[+]

Eleusine indica is closely related to Eleusine coracana (African finger millet), and the diploid E. indica is likely an ancestor of the allotetraploid E. coracana.

Seeds of E. indica are edible and are sometimes used as a famine food, but yields are low. It is an important weed of cultivated crops, lawns, and golf courses. It thrives in disturbed areas with compacted soils in full sun. Both tillage and herbicides are used in its control. This low-growing grass is capable of setting seed even when closely mown. Some populations have evolved resistance to certain herbicides, including glyphosate.

Eleusine indica performs C₄ photosynthesis and therefore can grow in hot climates and in the hotter months of the temperate zone. Its seeds germinate later in spring than most other temperate zone weeds, such as crabgrasses. Though usually considered an annual, it may survive for more than a year in climates not subject to frost.

AI-generated Description

Eleusine indica, also known as goosegrass, is an annual grass native to tropical Asia. It has been naturalized in many parts of the world, including Qatar. In Qatar, E. indica is considered a common weed, often found growing in disturbed areas, roadsides, and agricultural fields. It thrives in warm temperatures and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, including Doha, Al Rayyan, and the northern parts of the country. Its ability to grow quickly and produce large amounts of seed makes it a significant weed species in Qatari agriculture and urban ecosystems.

AI-generated summary of observations

The observations of Eleusine indica in Qatar reveal its presence in the Green Circles of Irkhaya Farms, specifically under center-pivot irrigation. The plant was found to have spikelets, with close-up views showing its inflorescence and overall structure. Images taken on November 13, 2015, display the goosegrass with a spikelet, as well as its general growth habit in the irrigated area. The photos provide a detailed look at the plant's morphology, including its flowers and seeds. The presence of Eleusine indica in this agricultural setting suggests that it may be a common weed in Qatari farms, potentially competing with crops for water and nutrients. The observations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in irrigated environments, such as those found in the Green Circles of Irkhaya Farms. Overall, the images provide valuable insights into the biology and ecology of Eleusine indica in Qatar.

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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.

Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.

Synonyms