Star shaped flowers of Leptadenia pyrotechnica on the border of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014Cynanchum pyrotechnicum, Gymnema spartium, Leptadenia gracilis, Leptadenia jacquemontiana, Leptadenia spartium, Microloma angustifolium, Microloma pyrotechnicum, Periploca pyrotechnica, Sarcostemma pyrotechnicum
Broom bush, burning bush, Khip, Marakh, Shajarat al Nar, Shajaret al baroud
Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Hindi:खींप, Punjabiਖਿੱਪ) is the botanical name of a desert herb of the family Asclepiadaceae. It is widespread from Senegal to India. It is known as khimp in Hindi and Urdu,"Khipp" in Punjabi.[+]
Leptadenia pyrotechnica, also known as desert tear or kharmah, is a shrub native to arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in sandy dunes and gravel plains, tolerating high temperatures and saline soils. Local studies have reported its presence in various locations, including the Jandhala and Khor Al Udeid areas. The plant's ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes it a notable species in Qatar's desert ecosystem.
Star shaped flowers of Leptadenia pyrotechnica on the border of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Bush of Leptadenia pyrotechnica on the border of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Blooming bush of Leptadenia pyrotechnica on the border of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Flowers of Leptadenia pyrotechnica on the border of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Flowers of Leptadenia pyrotechnica taken from area of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Flowers of Leptadenia pyrotechnica taken from roadside of a road to Zubara in northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Sand mound with Leptadenia pyrotechnica in Traina Sinkhole (karst depression) AOI 2 north-west of Khor Al Adaid. Southern Qatar, January 23, 2015
Bush of Leptadenia pyrotechnica with fruits near Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Qatar, March 21, 2015
Fruits of Leptadenia pyrotechnica taken from periphery of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, May 1, 2015
Bush of Leptadenia pyrotechnica from roadside of Salwa Road in area of Khashem Al Nekhsh. Qatar, November 27, 2015
Fruits of Leptadenia pyrotechnica on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, June 3, 2016
Plant of Leptadenia pyrotechnica in windblown sand on roadside in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh). South-western Qatar, June 10, 2016
Fluffy seeds of Leptadenia pyrotechnica taken from roadside of Salwa Road in Southern Qatar, June 10, 2016Leptadenia pyrotechnica was observed in various locations in Qatar, including the borders of Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms, where it had star-shaped flowers and was found blooming in November. It was also seen in Traina Sinkhole, a karst depression, and along roadsides, such as Salwa Road and the road to Zubara. The plant produced fruits, which were observed in March and May, and had fluffy seeds, collected in June. Leptadenia pyrotechnica was found growing in different environments, including windblown sand and desert areas, and was able to thrive in these conditions, with observations made over a period of two years, from 2014 to 2016. The plant's ability to grow in various locations and produce flowers and fruits at different times of the year was noted.
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QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.