Nicandra physalodes - Flora of Qatar

Atropa daturifolia, Atropa physalodes, Atropa physaloides, Boberella nicandra, Calydermos erosus, Nicandra minor, Pentagonia physalodes, Physalis daturifolia, Physalodes peruviana

Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article

Nicandra is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family containing the single species Nicandra physalodes. It is known by the common names apple-of-Peru and shoo-fly plant. It is native to Peru, and it is known elsewhere as an introduced species and sometimes a weed. It is also kept as an ornamental plant.[+]

Plants grow to 1 metre tall and are vigorous with spreading branches and ovate, mid-green, toothed and waved leaves. The flowers are bell-shaped and 5 centimeters or more across, pale violet with white throats. The flower becomes lantern-like towards the end of its bloom. The plant is thought to have insect repellent properties.

The genus is named for Greek poet Nicander, who wrote about plants.

AI-generated description

Nicandra physalodes, also known as the Apple of Peru, is an annual herb native to South America. It has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including the Middle East. In Qatar, Nicandra physalodes has been found growing wild, particularly in areas with disturbed soil and full sun. Its presence in Qatar is likely due to human introduction through trade or migration. The plant's adaptability and ability to thrive in warm, dry environments make it a common sight in Qatar's urban and rural areas.

Flower buds of shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) in a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 14, 2016

Opened flower bud of shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) taken from a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 14, 2016

Flower buds of shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) taken from a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 14, 2016

Shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) in a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 22, 2016

Blooming shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) in a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 22, 2016

Blooming shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) with an opening flower in a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 22, 2016

Flower of shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) in a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 22, 2016

Blooming shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) with flower buds in a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 22, 2016

Opening flower of shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) in a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 22, 2016

Flower of shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) taken from a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 22, 2016

Flower and green fruit of shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) taken from a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 22, 2016

Fruits of Shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) taken from a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016

Green fruit of Shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) taken from a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016

Dry fruits of Shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) taken from a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016

Brown seeds of Shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) taken from a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016

AI-generated summary of observations

The Nicandra physalodes plant was observed in a shady spot on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area, Doha, Qatar, from January 14 to February 24, 2016. During this period, the plant's flower buds were seen developing and opening into flowers. The blooming plants had both open flowers and unopened buds. As the season progressed, green fruits appeared, followed by dry fruits and brown seeds. The observations included detailed views of individual flowers, buds, and fruits at various stages of development, providing a comprehensive understanding of the plant's growth cycle in Qatar's environment. The plant's ability to thrive in shady conditions was also noted, with multiple observations made in the same shaded area over several weeks.

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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.

Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn.

Synonyms