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Medicago appenina, Medicago cupaniana, Medicago wildenowii, Medica lupulina
Black medick, hop clover, nonesuch
Medicago lupulina, commonly known as black medick, nonesuch, or hop clover, is a familiar lawn plant belonging to the legume or clover family. Plants of the genus Medicago, or bur clovers, are closely related to the true clovers (Trifolium) and sweet clover (Melilotus). Like the true clovers, black medick has three leaflets and a small, yellow flower closely resembling those of the lesser trefoil. Black medick belongs to the same genus as alfalfa.
Medicago lupulina, also known as black medick or hop clover, is an annual or biennial legume native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and can be found growing in various habitats, including roadsides, fields, and waste areas.
Studies in Qatar have reported that Medicago lupulina is a common weed species in the country, particularly in areas with disturbed soil and ample moisture. It has been recorded in various regions of Qatar, including Doha, Al Rayyan, and Al Wakrah.
The plant's ability to thrive in Qatar's arid environment is likely due to its deep root system, which allows it to access water deep in the soil profile. Additionally, its small seeds can survive extreme temperatures and drought, enabling the species to persist in areas with limited rainfall.
In terms of its ecological role, Medicago lupulina has been found to serve as a food source for various insects and animals in Qatar, including bees, butterflies, and birds. However, its invasive nature and ability to outcompete native vegetation may also have negative impacts on the local ecosystem.
Black medick weeds (Medicago lupulina) taken from a base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 13, 2016
Black medick (Medicago lupulina) with flowers and fruits taken from a base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 13, 2016
Black medick weeds (Medicago lupulina) growing at the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 14, 2016
Al Shabi St, Doha, Qatar
Blooming black medick (Medicago lupulina) growing at the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 14, 2016Al Shabi St, Doha, Qatar
Masses of black medick (Medicago lupulina) at the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 14, 2016Al Shabi St, Doha, Qatar
Flowers of black medick (Medicago lupulina) at the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 14, 2016Al Shabi St, Doha, QatarBlack medick weeds (Medicago lupulina) were observed growing at the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street in Onaiza area, Doha, Qatar, on April 13-14, 2016. The plants had flowers and fruits, indicating they were mature and thriving in the environment. By April 14, the black medick was blooming, with masses of the plant found at the base of the palm tree. The flowers were also observed in detail, and seeds were collected, including those of yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) that were growing alongside the black medick. The presence of seeds suggests that the plants were reproducing successfully in the area. Overall, the observations suggest that Medicago lupulina is a common and prolific weed in the Onaiza area of Doha, Qatar.
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