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Lactuca albicaulis, Lactuca altaica, Lactuca augustana, Lactuca coriacea, Lactuca dubia, Lactuca integrata, Lactuca latifolia, Lactuca saligna, Lactuca scariola, Lactuca sylvestris, Lactuca tephrocarpa, Lactuca verticalis
Khas al bagar, khas barri, milk thistle, prickly lettuce
Lactuca serriola, also called prickly lettuce, milk thistle (not to be confused with Silybum marianum, also called milk thistle) compass plant, and scarole, is an annual or biennial plant, slightly foetid, that is commonly considered a weed of orchards, roadsides and field crops. The closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). The leaves grow along a spiny stem and get progressively smaller as they reach its top. They emit latex when cut. Many flowers are produced and usually appear in the upper part of the plant.[+]
Lactuca serriola, also known as prickly lettuce, is an annual or biennial herb native to Europe and Asia. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and is commonly found growing in disturbed areas, roadsides, and fields. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of the country, including Doha and Al Rayyan. It is characterized by its prickly leaves, yellow flowers, and a milky latex sap. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has been observed to thrive in Qatar's arid environment, often blooming from February to May.
Weeds of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) near Al Luqta Street, opposite to Education City. Doha, Qatar, April 11, 2014
Umm Al Hawayer St, Doha, Qatar
Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) south-east from Immigration Roundabout. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014Al Amir St, Doha, Qatar
Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) or may be L. saligna on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015Al Wukair Street, Qatar
Vein system of leaves of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015Al Wukair Street, Qatar
Flowers of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) or may be L. saligna on roadside of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015Al Wukair Street, Qatar
Close up of flowers of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) or may be L. saligna on roadside of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015Unnamed Road, Qatar
Inflorescence of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) or may be L. saligna on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, June 5, 2015Al Wukair Street, Qatar
Leaves of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, March 5, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Flowers of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) near Al Istiqlal Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, May 2, 2016
Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) on Al Mawrid Street in Al Lejbailat area. Doha, Qatar, May 26, 2016Al Mawrid St, Doha, QatarPrickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) was observed growing as a weed near Al Luqta Street and south-east from Immigration Roundabout in Doha, Qatar. It was also found on fields with center-pivot irrigation in Irkhaya Farms, where its vein system, flowers, and inflorescence were studied. The plant was seen blooming from April to June, with small flowers observed on May 1, 2015. In 2016, it was spotted near Al Istiqlal Street in Onaiza area and on Al Mawrid Street in Al Lejbailat area. Leaves of the plant were also observed on Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms in March 2016. The observations suggest that prickly lettuce is a common weed in Qatar, growing in various areas and blooming during the spring and early summer months. Its presence was noted in both urban and rural areas.
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