Flowers of Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) on roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014Lithospermum angustifolium, Lithospermum callosum, Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum latifolium, Lithospermum niveum, Moltkia callosa, Moltkia ciliata
Callous-leaved gromwell, Ghabshah, halam, stoneseed
Moltkiopsis ciliata is a small shrub native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found growing in sandy and rocky areas, often in association with other desert plants. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, where it tolerates high temperatures and low rainfall. The plant's ability to thrive in these conditions makes it a notable component of Qatar's unique flora.
Flowers of Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) on roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Blooming Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) on roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Desert plant Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) on roadside of Salwa Road in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Desert plant Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, February 21, 2014
Young leaves of Moltkiopsis ciliata on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Young plants of Moltkiopsis ciliata on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, December 19, 2014
Moltkiopsis ciliata in windblown sand on roadside of Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 10, 2015
Half dry plant of Moltkiopsis ciliata in Mazhabya Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, July 11, 2015
Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Blooming Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Inflorescence of Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Flowers of Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Cluster of flowers of Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Plant of Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Unusually large leaves of Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on sand dunes near the spring in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, January 22, 2016
Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Large blooming bush of Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, February 26, 2016
Dense blooming bush of Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, February 26, 2016
Bush of Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) with reddish flowers near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, February 26, 2016
Densely blooming plant of Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) near Umm Bab in south-western Qatar, February 26, 2016
Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016
Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) at sunrise on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016
Blooming Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016
Back lit Moltkiopsis ciliata (local names halam, Ghabshah) on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016
Bush of Moltkiopsis ciliata (Lithospermum ciliatum, Lithospermum angustifolium, local names halam, Ghabshah) uprooted by wind in sand near limestone cliffs in Maszhabiya (Al Mashabiya) Reserve near Abu Samra. Southern Qatar, April 1, 2016Moltkiopsis ciliata was observed in various locations across Qatar from February 2014 to April 2016. The plant was found on rocky ridges, sand dunes, and roadsides in southern, southwestern, and northern Qatar. Observations included blooming flowers, young leaves, shoots, and compact bushes. The plant was noted to be tolerant of windblown sand and able to grow in a variety of conditions. Local names for the plant include "halam" and "Ghabshah". The observations suggest that Moltkiopsis ciliata is a common and widespread species in Qatar, with a range of growth habits and adaptations to the local environment. The plant was observed in bloom during winter and early spring months, with peak blooming activity noted in February and March. Overall, the observations provide valuable insights into the ecology and distribution of Moltkiopsis ciliata in Qatar.
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