Cones of Shrubby Horsetail (Ephedra foliata, Ephedra ciliata, local name alanda) on roadside of a road to Zubara, north-western Qatar, February 28, 2014Ephedra aitchisonii, Ephedra alte, Ephedra asparagoides, Ephedra ciliata, Ephedra kokanica, Ephedra peduncularis, Ephedra polylepis, Ephedra rollandii
Alanda, Shrubby Horsetail
Ephedra foliata, with the common name shrubby horsetail, is a species of Ephedra.[+]
Ephedra foliata is a shrubby, gymnospermous plant native to arid regions. In Qatar, it has been found growing wild, typically in sandy or rocky areas. It is a relatively small plant, often reaching heights of up to 1 meter, with scale-like leaves and jointed stems. Studies in Qatar have noted its distribution in various locations, including the country's central and southern regions. The plant's presence in Qatar suggests its adaptability to harsh desert environments, where it can thrive with minimal water availability.
Cones of Shrubby Horsetail (Ephedra foliata, Ephedra ciliata, local name alanda) on roadside of a road to Zubara, north-western Qatar, February 28, 2014
Shrubby Horsetail (Ephedra foliata, Ephedra ciliata, local name alanda) growing on bushes of Ziziphus nummularia on roadside of a road to Zubara, north-western Qatar, February 28, 2014
Shrubby Horsetail (Ephedra foliata, Ephedra ciliata, local name alanda) growing on bushes of Ziziphus nummularia on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016
Shrubby Horsetail (Ephedra foliata, Ephedra ciliata, local name alanda) taken from Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016
Shrubby Horsetail (Ephedra foliata, Ephedra ciliata, local name alanda) with flowers in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, March 26, 2016
Fruits of shrubby horsetail (Ephedra foliata, Ephedra ciliata, local name alanda) taken from Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, March 26, 2016Shrubby Horsetail (Ephedra foliata) was observed growing on bushes of Ziziphus nummularia and other plants in various locations in northern Qatar, including roadside areas and depressions. The plant was found to produce cones, as seen on February 28, 2014, and flowers, as observed on March 26, 2016. Fruits were also collected from the plant in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road on March 26, 2016. The plant was able to grow in different environments, including silty depressions and areas with Lycium bushes. Observations were made over a period of two years, from 2014 to 2016, with multiple sightings in the area of Al Magdah farms and near Al Zubara Road. The local name for the plant is "alanda".
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.