Carara didyma, Coronopus didymus, Senebiera didyma, Senebiera heleniana, Senebiera pinnatifida
Swine Cress
Grows only on lawns in Doha.
Lepidium didymum, also known as lesser swine-cress or wart cress, is an annual herb native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and waste grounds. The plant is characterized by its small size, typically growing up to 10-30 cm tall, with finely divided leaves and small white flowers. It is considered an introduced species in Qatar, where it thrives in the country's mild winters and can be found flowering from January to March.
Observations of Lepidium didymum in Qatar reveal that the plant grows on lawns, as seen near Al Bidda Park in Doha. The shoot of the plant was observed to be intact, with no visible signs of damage or disease. Fruits of the plant were also found near Al Bidda Park, indicating successful reproduction. Additionally, a leaf of Lepidium didymum was collected from the gardens of Sheraton Hotel in West Bay, Doha, suggesting that the plant can thrive in cultivated environments. The presence of the plant in different locations and at different times of the year, including March 2014 and January 2016, indicates its adaptability to the Qatari environment. These observations provide insight into the growth habits and distribution of Lepidium didymum in Qatar.
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.