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Lycium abeliaeflorum, Lycium albiflorum, Lycium arabicum, Lycium barbarum, Lycium cufodontii, Lycium ellenbeckii, Lycium erythraeum, Lycium jaegeri, Lycium javellense, Lycium merkii, Lycium orientale, Lycium ovinum, Lycium persicum, Lycium somalense, Lycium tenuiramosum, Lycium withaniifolium
Awsaj, Desert Thorn
Lycium shawii, also known as Shaw's Desert Thorn or Jandala, is a shrub native to North Africa and the Middle East. In Qatar, it has been found growing in sandy dunes, wadis, and coastal areas. It is a spiny, deciduous shrub with small leaves and purple flowers, followed by red berries. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, including the northern and western parts of the country. The plant is adapted to the arid conditions of Qatar's desert environment and plays a role in stabilizing sand dunes and providing habitat for local wildlife.
Blooming bush of desert thorn Lycium shawii. Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha, Qatar, March 12, 2010
Orange berry (Masaa) of desert thorn (Lycium shawii, local name Awsaj). Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha, Qatar, March 12, 2010
Blooming bush of desert thorn Lycium shawii in Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, March 4, 2011
Red berries (masie) of Desert Thorn (Lycium shawii, Lycium arabicum, local name Awsaj) in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms (Thaghab Al Majda). Qatar, February 28, 2014
Al Ghuwairiya HC St, Al-Ghuwayriyah, Qatar
Lycium shawii planted in area of Uwaynat Bin Husayn (Water Well) near Simaisma. Qatar, April 18, 2014Al Khor Coastal Road, Qatar
Bright green leaves of desert thorn Lycium shawii on Jebel Fuwairit. Qatar, October 3, 2014Fuwyrit Beach Road, Qatar
Flowers of desert thorn Lycium shawii at entrance of Ras Abrouq Peninsula near Zekreet. Qatar, November 14, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Twig of desert thorn (Lycium shawii) with fresh leaves near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Seedling of desert thorn (Lycium shawii) near Al Khor Hospital. Qatar, December 13, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Succulent and spiny shoot of Desert Thorn (Lycium shawii) taken from a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, August 22, 2015
Flowers of desert thorn (Lycium shawii, local name Awsaj) east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, December 20, 2015Unnamed Road, Qatar
Orange berries (Masaa) of desert thorn (Lycium shawii, local name Awsaj) on roadside near Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 29, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Large bush of desert thorn Lycium shawii in a silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Bush of desert thorn Lycium shawii near Uwaynat Bin Husayn (Water Well) near Simaisma. Qatar, February 13, 2016Al Khor Coastal Rd, Qatar
Flower of desert thorn Lycium shawii near a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 13, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Blooming branch of desert thorn Lycium shawii near a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 13, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Flowers of desert thorn Lycium shawii near a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 13, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Branch of desert thorn Lycium shawii with orange berries (masie) near a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 13, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Desert thorn Lycium shawii near a road to Zubara in area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 13, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Bush of desert thorn Lycium shawii in a depression in Al Mardiya - Wasit area. Northern Qatar, February 13, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Bushes of desert thorn Lycium shawii in Al Mardiya - Wasit area. Northern Qatar, February 20, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Desert thorn Lycium shawii in a depression near a road to Al Numan. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016Unnamed Road, QatarLycium shawii was observed blooming in various locations in Qatar, including Harrarah, Purple Island, and Al Magdah farms, with flowers present in March, November, and December. The plant produced orange or red berries, known locally as "Masaa" or "masie", which were seen in March, February, and January. The bushes were found in a range of habitats, including silty depressions, rocky ridges, and roadside areas. In some cases, the plants were planted, such as in the area of Uwaynat Bin Husayn. The leaves of Lycium shawii were bright green and succulent, with spiny shoots present on some plants. Seedlings were also observed, indicating that the plant is able to propagate in the region. Overall, Lycium shawii appears to be a common and widespread species in Qatar.
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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.