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Anisophyllum prostratum, Aplarina prostrata, Chamaesyce malaca, Chamaesyce prostrata, Chamaesyce villosior, Euphorbia callitrichoides, Euphorbia malaca, Euphorbia perforata, Euphorbia ramosa, Euphorbia tenella, Euphorbia trichogona, Tithymalus prostratus
Lubaina, spurge
Euphorbia prostrata is a species of euphorb known by the common name prostrate sandmat. It is native to the West Indies and certain parts of South America, but it is widely naturalized in many other parts of the world, where it can be found in varied habitat types and in many areas grows as a roadside weed. This is an annual herb producing slender prostrate stems up to about 20 centimeters long, sometimes purple-tinted in color. The oval-shaped leaves are up to a centimeter long with finely toothed edges. The inflorescence is a cyathium less than 2 millimeters wide, with white petal-like appendages surrounding the actual flowers. There are four male flowers and a single female flower, the latter developing into a lobed, hairy fruit one to two millimeters wide.
Euphorbia prostrata, also known as prostate spurge or spreading spurge, is a low-growing, annual herb native to tropical and subtropical regions. In Qatar, it has been found to thrive in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and construction sites. Studies have reported its presence in various parts of the country, including Doha and the surrounding deserts. The plant's ability to tolerate high temperatures, drought, and saline conditions makes it well-suited to Qatar's arid environment. Its small, elliptical leaves and tiny, yellowish-green flowers are characteristic features of this adaptable and invasive species.
Green mat of spurge (Euphorbia prostrata or may be serpens) near Omar Al Mukhtar Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, March 22, 2014
Omar Al Mukhtar St, Doha, Qatar
Red leaves of spurge (Euphorbia prostrata or may be serpens) near Omar Al Mukhtar Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, March 22, 2014Omar Al Mukhtar St, Doha, Qatar
Shoot of spurge (Euphorbia prostrata or may be serpens) near Omar Al Mukhtar Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, March 22, 2014Omar Al Mukhtar St, Doha, Qatar
Green blanket of Euphorbia prostrata or may be Euphorbia serpens (local name lubaina) in Irkhaya Farms. South-western Qatar, March 29, 2014Salwa Road, Qatar
Wilted spurge (Euphorbia prostrata) on Al Istiqlal Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 5, 2014Al Istiqlal Street, Doha, Qatar
Spurge (Euphorbia prostrata or may be Euphorbia serpens) taken from area of Dunes Hotel in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 10, 2014
Mat of spurge Euphorbia prostrata on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014Salwa Road, Qatar
Khaki Burr weed (Alternanthera pungens) and spurge Euphorbia prostrata on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014Salwa Road, Qatar
Pinkish leaves of spurge Euphorbia prostrata on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014Salwa Road, Qatar
Reichardia seedling among a mat of spurge (Euphorbia prostrata) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Brilliant red leaves of spurge Euphorbia prostrata on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Reddish leaves of spurge Euphorbia prostrata on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Spurge (Euphorbia prostrata) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015Al Wukair Street, Qatar
Spurge (Euphorbia prostrata) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, May 1, 2015Al Wukair Street, Qatar
Mat of spurge Euphorbia prostrata in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, January 15, 2016Dukhan Hwy, QatarEuphorbia prostrata was observed forming a green mat or blanket in various locations in Qatar, including West Bay and Irkhaya Farms. The plant's leaves were noted to turn red or reddish, especially in October and November. It was found growing in a variety of conditions, including on streets, in fields, and in roadside depressions. The plant was also observed growing alongside other species, such as Khaki Burr weed and Reichardia seedlings. In some cases, the plant appeared wilted, particularly in May. Overall, Euphorbia prostrata appeared to be a common and adaptable species in Qatar, able to thrive in different environments and conditions throughout the year. Its growth was documented in various locations over several years, from 2014 to 2016.
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QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.