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Glossonema arabicum, Mastostigma varians, Odontanthera varians
Attar, Glossonema edule, jarawa, yarawa
Glossonema varians is a desert plant species found in the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it is a rare and endangered plant that grows in sandy dunes and coastal areas. It has thick, fleshy stems and leaves, with small yellow or orange flowers. Research in Qatar has focused on its conservation status, habitat preferences, and potential uses in traditional medicine. Efforts are being made to protect and propagate this species due to its limited distribution and threatened habitat.
Blooming milkweed Glossonema varians with edible, softly spinous, fleshy follicles (jarawah, fruit). Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 5, 2010
Blooming milkweed Glossonema varians in Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, March 4, 2011
Seedling of milkweed Glossonema varians in desert near industrial zone of Ras Laffan, north from Doha. Qatar, March 23, 2013
Rashid Street, Ad-Daẖirah, Qatar
Milkweed Glossonema varians on sand in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh in south-western Qatar, February 7, 2014Salwa Rd, Qatar
Blooming desert plant Glossonema varians (Glossonema edule, local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014سودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطر
Flowers of a desert plant Glossonema varians (Glossonema edule, local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014سودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطر
Flowering desert plant Glossonema varians (Glossonema edule, local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014سودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطر
Blooming Glossonema varians (Glossonema edule, local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014سودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطر
Ladybugs eating aphids feeding on Glossonema varians (Glossonema edule, local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) in area of Ras Laffan farms. Northern Qatar, February 28, 2014Al Shamal Road, Qatar
Milkweed Glossonema varians (Glossonema edule, local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) in a runnel north from Dukhan in western Qatar, March 3, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Blooming milkweed Glossonema varians (Glossonema edule, local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) in a runnel north from Dukhan in western Qatar, March 3, 2014Abdulla Bin Jasim Street, Dukhan, Qatar
Seed pods of milkweed Glossonema varians (local names jarawa, yarawa) on roadside of Salwa Road, south-west from Doha. Qatar, April 23, 2014Salwa Road, Qatar
Milkweed Glossonema varians (Glossonema edule, local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Qatar, January 31, 2015Fuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Blooming milkweed Glossonema varians (local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Qatar, January 31, 2015Fuwyrit Beach Road, Qatar
Young plant of milkweed Glossonema varians (local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Qatar, January 31, 2015Fuwyrit Beach Road, Qatar
Milkweed Glossonema varians (local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) in sand on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Qatar, January 31, 2015Fuwyrit Beach Road, Qatar
Young plant of Glossonema varians emerging from sand in a runnel north from Dukhan. Qatar, February 13, 2015Unnamed Road, Qatar
Milkweed Glossonema varians in sand in Al Ghariya on north-western coast, view from south. Qatar, July 3, 2015Unnamed Road, Qatar
Blooming milkweed Glossonema varians in Al Ghariya on north-western coast, view from south. Qatar, July 3, 2015Madinat Al Shamal - Al Gharya Road, Qatar
Milkweed Glossonema varians on roadside of Dukhan Highway near Al Shakhaniya. Qatar, January 15, 2016Dukhan Hwy, Qatar
Milkweed Glossonema varians in a runnel near a road to Sawda Natheel. Southern Qatar, March 18, 2016سودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطر
Milkweed Glossonema varians (local names attar, jarawa, yarawa) with flowers on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 19, 2016Fuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Milkweed Glossonema varians on roadside of a road to Sawda Natheel. Southern Qatar, April 15, 2016سودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطرThe plant Glossonema varians was observed in various locations across Qatar from 2010 to 2016. It was found in different stages of growth, including blooming, fruiting, and seedling stages. The plant was observed in a range of habitats, including deserts, rocky ridges, and runnels. It was also found on roadsides and near industrial zones. The observations were made during different months, with the majority occurring between February and April. The plant's local names, including "attar", "jarawa", and "yarawa", were noted in several observations. Ladybugs were observed eating aphids feeding on the plant in one instance. Overall, the observations suggest that Glossonema varians is a widespread and adaptable species in Qatar, able to thrive in various environments and conditions. Its presence was documented in southern, western, and northern parts of the country.
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.