Launaea capitata (local names huwa, hazan) on sand in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh in south-western Qatar, February 7, 2014Chondrilla capitata, Launaea glomerata, Lomatolepis glomerata, Microrhynchus glomeratus, Sonchus capitatus, Sonchus mareoticus, Zollikoferia glomerata
Hazan, huwa
Launaea capitata, also known as Hawk's-beard, is an annual or biennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, sandy plains, and rocky outcrops. Studies have reported its presence in several locations across the country, often associated with disturbed or overgrazed areas. The plant's adaptability to Qatar's arid environment suggests its potential as a useful species for rehabilitation and restoration efforts in degraded ecosystems.
Launaea capitata (local names huwa, hazan) on sand in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh in south-western Qatar, February 7, 2014
Blooming desert plant Launaea capitata (Launaea glomerata, Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) in sand near a road to Sawda Natheel in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Desert plant Launaea capitata (Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Rosette of leaves of a desert plant Launaea capitata (Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
Flowers of Launaea capitata (Launaea glomerata, Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
Flowers of Launaea capitata (Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) in sand near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Rosette of leaves of Launaea capitata (Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) in sand near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Launaea capitata (Launaea glomerata, Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) on roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Flowers of Launaea capitata (Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms (Thaghab Al Majda). Qatar, February 28, 2014
Flowers of Launaea capitata (Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) near Dukhan Road. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014
Launaea capitata (Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) in area of Uwaynat Bin Husayn (Water Well) near Simaisma. Qatar, April 18, 2014
Rosette of leaves of Launaea capitata on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, December 19, 2014
Launaea capitata (local names huwa, hazan) on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 31, 2015
Launaea capitata (local names huwa, hazan) with flower buds on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 31, 2015
Launaea capitata (local names huwa, hazan) with a flower on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 31, 2015
Rosettes of leaves of Launaea capitata on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Rosette of basal leaves of Launaea capitata on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Basal leaves of Launaea capitata on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Close up of rosette of basal leaves of Launaea capitata on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Close up of basal leaves of Launaea capitata on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Rosette of basal leaves of Launaea capitata in sand near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Launaea capitata with a flower on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Basal rosette of Launaea capitata on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Leaf rosette of Launaea capitata on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Flat rosettes of leaves of Launaea capitata on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Rosette of leaves of Launaea capitata with a flower on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Cluster of rosettes of leaves of Launaea capitata on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Rosettes of leaves of Launaea capitata with a flower on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Flowers of Launaea capitata (Launaea glomerata, Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 9, 2016
Desert plant Launaea capitata (Launaea glomerata, Zollikoferia glomerata, local names huwa, hazan) in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Southern Qatar, March 18, 2016The plant Launaea capitata was observed in various locations throughout Qatar from February 2014 to March 2016. The observations were made in southern, south-western, and northern regions of the country, including areas such as Jebel Al-Nakhsh, Sawda Natheel, Trainah, Umm Bab, and Maszhabiya Reserve. The plant was found growing on sand dunes, rocky ridges, and in windblown sand along roadsides. Flowers were observed from February to April, and rosettes of leaves were present year-round. Local names for the plant include "huwa" and "hazan". The observations suggest that Launaea capitata is a common and widespread species in Qatar, able to thrive in a variety of environments. The repeated sightings over several years provide valuable information on the plant's distribution, growth habits, and phenology in the region.
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