Purple flower of Fagonia indica or ovalifolia(?) (local name Dhreima or DHuraymah, shwaikah) in a desert. Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 5, 2010Fagonia aucheri, Fagonia mysorensis, Fagonia parviflora, Fagonia persica
Dereima, handagog, shaki, shoka, showeika
Fagonia indica is a small shrub native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in arid environments, often on sandy or rocky soils. Studies have shown that Fagonia indica is adapted to the country's harsh desert conditions, with deep roots allowing it to access groundwater and small leaves reducing water loss. It is a common component of Qatar's native flora, particularly in areas such as the Jandala and Khor Al Udeid regions. The plant has also been found to have medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which are being researched for potential applications. Overall, Fagonia indica plays an important role in Qatar's ecosystem, providing habitat and food for local wildlife and contributing to the country's unique biodiversity.
Purple flower of Fagonia indica or ovalifolia(?) (local name Dhreima or DHuraymah, shwaikah) in a desert. Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 5, 2010
Fagonia indica (local names dereima, showeika, shaki, shoka) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
Seedling of Fagonia indica growing in silt in area of Ras Laffan farms. Northern Qatar, February 28, 2014
Fagonia indica with insect galls or swellings on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Qatar, January 31, 2015
Fagonia indica with a flower, a fruit and insect galls on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 31, 2015
Blooming Fagonia indica in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Fagonia indica with flowers in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 11, 2015
Insect galls on Fagonia indica taken from Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, October 23, 2015
Insect galls (malformed growth) on Fagonia indica taken from Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, October 23, 2015
Fagonia indica(?) in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Plant of Fagonia indica on sand dunes in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, April 8, 2016
White blooming plant of Fagonia indica on the slope of limestone hills in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
White phenotype of Fagonia indica on the slope of limestone hills in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
Blooming plant of Fagonia indica on the slope of limestone hills in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
White phenotype of Fagonia indica on the slope of limestone hills in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
White flowering of Fagonia indica on the slope of limestone hills in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
White flowers of Fagonia indica on the slope of limestone hills in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
White flowering phenotype of Fagonia indica on the slope of limestone hills in Harrarah (Al Kharrarah). Southern Qatar, April 23, 2016
Dry plant of Fagonia indica(?) on roadside in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh). South-western Qatar, June 10, 2016Fagonia indica is widely distributed in Qatar, observed in various locations including Harrarah, Trainah, Ras Laffan, Marouna, Jebel Fuwairit, Rawdat Ekdaim, and Maszhabiya Reserve. The plant grows in different environments, such as sand dunes, rocky ridges, and silt areas. It produces purple or white flowers, and fruits, and is often infested with insect galls. The plant's appearance varies, with some specimens having dry or wilted leaves, while others are blooming with flowers. Fagonia indica can be found in both southern and northern Qatar, and its growth is not limited to specific soil types or elevations. Insect galls were commonly observed on the plant, suggesting a widespread infestation. The plant's ability to thrive in different conditions highlights its adaptability to Qatar's desert environment.
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.