Melilotus bonplandii, Melilotus indica, Melilotus melilotus-indica, Melilotus melilotus-indicus, Melilotus officinalis, Melilotus parviflora, Melilotus parviflorus, Melilotus permixtus, Melilotus tommasinii, Trifolium indica, Trifolium indicum, Trifolium melilotus, Trifolium melilotus-indica
Handagog asfar, Scented trefoil, sweet clover
Melilotus indicus, sometimes incorrectly written Melilotus indica, is a yellow-flowered herb native to northern Africa, Europe and Asia, but naturalized throughout the rest of the world.[+]
Melilotus indicus is an annual herb native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found growing in sandy soils, often near coastal areas. Local studies have reported its presence in various regions, including the north and west coasts. The plant typically blooms from February to May, producing small yellow flowers. While not widely cultivated, M. indicus is considered a minor weed species in Qatar's agricultural landscapes.
Seeds of Melilotus indicus were observed in West Bay, Doha, on March 16, 2014. Later, yellow flowers and plants were spotted in the Onaiza area near Al Sham Street on February 19, 2015. The plant was also found on a field with center-pivot irrigation in Irkhaya Farms on April 10, 2015, and a pinkish variant was observed on May 1, 2015. In Onaiza area, flowers and fruits were seen at the base of a palm tree on Al Shabi Street on April 14, 2016. Seeds were also collected from this location, co-occurring with Medicago lupulina. The plant appears to thrive in various environments, including urban areas and irrigated fields, suggesting its adaptability to different conditions in Qatar. Observations span multiple years, indicating the plant's presence is not limited to a specific time or location.
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.