Flowers of a desert heliotrope (turnsole, Heliotropium bacciferum, local name Ramram) in Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, February 19, 2010Dhanab al aqrab, Halam, heliotrope, Heliotropium crispum, Heliotropium undulatum, ramram, sedjra tenshama, Turnsole
Difficult to distinguish it from H. ramosissimum.
Heliotropium bacciferum is a species of flowering plant in the borage family (Boraginaceae). In Qatar, it has been found to be a rare and endangered annual herb. Research conducted in the region has identified its presence in limited areas, typically thriving in sandy or saline soils. The plant's distribution in Qatar is often associated with coastal and inland sabkha environments, where it can tolerate high salt concentrations and arid conditions. Its occurrence in Qatar highlights the country's unique biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts to protect such rare species.
Flowers of a desert heliotrope (turnsole, Heliotropium bacciferum, local name Ramram) in Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, February 19, 2010
Tiny brown desert flowers of Heliotropium bacciferum(?) near industrial zone of Ras Laffan, north from Doha. Qatar, March 23, 2013
Flowers of a desert heliotrope (turnsole, Heliotropium bacciferum, local names ramram, danab al agrab, Ramram) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Desert heliotrope (turnsole, Heliotropium bacciferum, local name Ramram) on roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Malformed fruits of Heliotropium bacciferum(?) damaged by insects of Al Istiqlal Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 22, 2014
Desert heliotrope (turnsole, Heliotropium bacciferum, local name Ramram) taken from Al Sham Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014
Desert heliotrope (turnsole, Heliotropium bacciferum, local name Ramram) with flowers taken from Al Sham Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014
Fruits of desert heliotrope (turnsole, Heliotropium bacciferum, local name Ramram) at entrance of Ras Abrouq Peninsula near Zekreet. Qatar, November 14, 2014
Large plant of desert heliotrope (turnsole, Heliotropium bacciferum, local names ramram, danab al agrab, Ramram) on a beach in the area of Al Hamala (Al Hamlah) Water Well near Umm Bab. South-western Qatar, January 10, 2015
Fresh leaves of desert heliotrope (turnsole, Heliotropium bacciferum) emerging from earth crack near a pond on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Seedling of Heliotropium bacciferum(?) on roadside between Mesayeed and Harrarah. Qatar, October 30, 2015Heliotropium bacciferum has been observed in various locations throughout Qatar, including Purple Island, Ras Laffan, and southern Qatar. The plant produces small, delicate flowers, often in shades of purple or brown, and can be found growing in a range of environments, from desert landscapes to urban areas like Doha's West Bay. Fruits of the plant have been observed, sometimes damaged by insects, and seedlings have been spotted emerging from cracks in the earth. The plant has also been found growing on beaches and in irrigated areas like Green Circles farms. Local names for the plant include "Ramram" and "danab al agrab". Observations were made over several years, from 2010 to 2015, and suggest that Heliotropium bacciferum is a relatively common species in Qatar. It can grow into large plants, as seen on a beach near Umm Bab.
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.