Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarPoaceaeLeptochloa fusca

Leptochloa fusca (L.) Kunth

Synonyms

Bromus polystachios, Bromus polystachyus, Centotheca malabarica, Digitaria malabarica, Diplachne alba, Diplachne amboensis, Diplachne capensis, Diplachne fusca, Diplachne indica, Diplachne livida, Diplachne malabarica, Diplachne pallida, Diplachne parviflora, Diplachne reptatrix, Diplachne wahlbergii, Eragrostis procera, Festuca brownii, Festuca fusca, Festuca indica, Festuca reptatrix, Hemigymnia malabarica, Leptochloa contracta, Leptochloa ginae, Leptochloa malabarica, Leptochloa neuroglossa, Ottochloa malabarica, Panicum malabaricum, Poa contracta, Poa fusca, Poa malabarica, Poa procera, Poa senegalensis, Syntherisma malabarica, Tridens capensis, Tridens indicus, Triodia ambigua, Triodia capensis, Triodia formosana, Triodia livida, Triodia parviflora, Uralepis alba, Uralepis capensis, Uralepis drummondii, Uralepis fusca, Uralepis livida

Common names

Brown beetle-grass, Malabar sprangletop

AI-generated Description

Leptochloa fusca, also known as beard grass, is an annual grass species native to tropical and subtropical regions. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in sandy soils and coastal areas. Studies have shown that L. fusca is a common weed in Qatari agricultural fields, particularly in crops such as wheat and barley. It can thrive in the country's arid climate due to its drought tolerance and ability to germinate at high temperatures. However, its presence can also indicate soil salinization, as it is often associated with salty soils. Overall, L. fusca plays a role in Qatar's ecosystem, but its impact on local agriculture and ecology requires further research.

Inflorescence of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) taken from area of lagoons north from entrance of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
LinkInflorescence of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) taken from area of lagoons north from entrance of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Close up of inflorescence of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) taken from area of lagoons north from entrance of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
LinkClose up of inflorescence of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) taken from area of lagoons north from entrance of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Inflorescence of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015
LinkInflorescence of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Panicles of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015
LinkPanicles of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Terminal inflorescence of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015
LinkTerminal inflorescence of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in shallow water in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, January 23, 2016
LinkMalabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in shallow water in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, January 23, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Spikelet of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in wet place in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, January 23, 2016
LinkSpikelet of Malabar sprangletop (brown beetle-grass, Leptochloa fusca) in wet place in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, January 23, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Leptochloa fusca in Qatar revealed the plant's inflorescence and panicles in various locations. In Irkhaya Farms, the inflorescence was observed near lagoons on December 18, 2015. Similar observations were made in a roadside depression east of Al Jebail water treatment plant in Al Khor on December 20, 2015, and January 23, 2016. The plant was found in shallow water and wet places, with terminal inflorescence and spikelets visible. Close-up views of the inflorescence showed its structure and details. The observations suggest that Leptochloa fusca thrives in areas with moisture, such as lagoons and roadside depressions, in Qatar's environment. The plant's presence was recorded in different months, indicating its adaptability to varying conditions. Overall, the observations provide insight into the plant's growth habits and preferred environments in Qatar.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.