Rocket flower (Eruca vesicaria, Eruca sativa, Brassica eruca, Eruca eruca, local name jargeer) near Harrarah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014Brassica eruca, Brassica hispida, Brassica vesicaria, Eruca aurea, Eruca eruca, Eruca foetida, Eruca glabrescens, Eruca grandiflora, Eruca oleracea, Eruca orthosepala, Eruca permixta, Eruca sylvestris, Euzomum vesicarium, Raphanus eruca, Raphanus vesicarius, Velleruca longistyla
Eruca sativa, jargeer, jirjeer, Lucerne, Rocket
Eruca vesicaria (syn. Brassica vesicaria L.) is a species of Eruca native to the western Mediterranean region, in Morocco, Algeria, Spain and Portugal. It is closely related to Eruca sativa; that species is included in E. vesicaria by some botanists either as a subspecies E. vesicaria subsp. sativa or not distinguished at all; E. vesicaria can be distinguished from E. sativa by its persistent sepals.[+]
Eruca vesicaria, also known as rocket, is an annual or biennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. In Qatar, it has been found growing wild in various areas, including sandy soils and disturbed habitats. Studies have reported its presence in different parts of the country, such as the Doha area and the northern regions. The plant typically grows up to 60 cm tall, with deeply lobed leaves and small, yellow flowers. It is often considered a weed, but it has edible leaves and seeds that are used in traditional medicine. In Qatar, Eruca vesicaria usually blooms from February to May, taking advantage of the country's mild winter season.
Rocket flower (Eruca vesicaria, Eruca sativa, Brassica eruca, Eruca eruca, local name jargeer) near Harrarah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
Eruca vesicaria (rocket, Eruca sativa, Brassica eruca, Eruca eruca, local name jargeer) near Harrarah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
Blooming Eruca vesicaria (rocket, Eruca sativa, Brassica eruca, Eruca eruca, local name jargeer) near Harrarah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
White flowers of Eruca vesicaria (rocket) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Close up of white flowers of Eruca vesicaria (rocket) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Rosette of leaves of Eruca vesicaria (rocket) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, January 15, 2016
Close up of rosette of leaves of Eruca vesicaria (rocket) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, January 15, 2016
Flowers of Eruca vesicaria (rocket) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, February 5, 2016
Blooming plant of Eruca vesicaria (rocket) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, February 5, 2016
Inflorescence of Eruca vesicaria (rocket) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, February 5, 2016
Close up of flowers of Eruca vesicaria (rocket) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, February 5, 2016Eruca vesicaria was observed in various locations throughout Qatar, including near Harrarah in southern Qatar and in the Dukhan Highway area. The plant was found to be blooming in February, with white flowers present on the Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms in December. The rosette of leaves was also observed in roadside depressions, with close-up views showing the plant's distinctive foliage. Inflorescences and individual flowers were photographed, providing detailed views of the plant's reproductive structures. Additionally, Eruca vesicaria was found growing on sidewalks in urban areas, such as Al Owaina Street in Onaiza area, Doha. The observations spanned from February 2014 to March 2016, indicating the plant's presence in Qatar throughout the year. Overall, the observations suggest that Eruca vesicaria is a common and widespread species in Qatar.
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.