Desert plant Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) with tiny leaves and flowers in Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 5, 2010Herniaria fruticosa, Herniaria sphacelata, Heterochiton hemistemon
Ghebayra, ghubaira, makir, mouker, rupturewort, umm wajaa al kabid
Herniaria hemistemon is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. In Qatar, it has been found growing in sandy and rocky areas, often in disturbed habitats such as roadsides and construction sites. This small, mat-forming plant produces tiny white flowers and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making it a common sight in Qatar's arid environment during the winter months when moisture is more abundant. Its presence indicates adaptation to harsh, dry conditions typical of the Qatari landscape.
Desert plant Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) with tiny leaves and flowers in Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 5, 2010
Salt tolerant plant Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) growing in a depression in Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, February 25, 2011
Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) with tiny leaves in desert of Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 2, 2012
Desert plant Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) with tiny leaves near industrial zone of Ras Laffan, north from Doha. Qatar, March 23, 2013
Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) on salty wasteland in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, February 15, 2014
Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) with tiny leaves on roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) growing in silt in abandoned farms in Ras Laffan. Northern Qatar, February 28, 2014
Young leaves of Herniaria hemistemon on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Young leaves of Herniaria hemistemon on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, December 19, 2014
Young plant of Herniaria hemistemon on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, December 19, 2014
Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Mat of Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) with tiny leaves on a plane of Rawdat Jarra north-east from Dukhan. Qatar, February 20, 2016
Plant of Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016
Herniaria hemistemon (local name Ghebayra) on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016Herniaria hemistemon, also known as Ghebayra, is a desert plant that has been observed in various locations in Qatar. It has tiny leaves and can be found growing in depressions, on salty wasteland, and on rocky ridges. The plant is salt tolerant and can thrive in areas with poor soil quality. Observations have been made in different regions of Qatar, including Harrarah, Purple Island, Ras Laffan, Doha, and Jebel Fuwairit. The plant has been found to grow in a variety of environments, from abandoned farms to roadside depressions. It produces small flowers and fruits, and can form mats in large roadside depressions. The plant's ability to survive in harsh conditions makes it a notable species in the Qatari flora. Its tiny leaves and salt tolerance allow it to thrive in areas where other plants may struggle to survive.
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.