Baccharis dioscoridis, Blumea baccharoides, Conyza dioscoridis, Conyza kraussii, Conyza modatensis, Conyza odora, Pluchea kraussii
Marsh Fleabane
Pluchea dioscoridis is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is native to tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia and Africa. In Qatar, Pluchea dioscoridis has been found growing in coastal areas, particularly in saline environments such as salt marshes and mangrove swamps. Studies have reported its presence in various locations throughout the country, including the north-east coast and offshore islands. The plant is adapted to tolerate high levels of salt and can thrive in areas with poor soil quality, making it a common sight in Qatar's coastal ecosystems.
Observations of Pluchea dioscoridis in Qatar reveal that the plant produces fluffy pappus and flowers on its stems. The flowers were observed to be blooming on the banks of Abu Nakhlah ponds in Southern Qatar in March 2014, with close-up views showing the details of the flowers. Similar observations were made in January 2015 near Al Khor Hospital, where the plant was found to have fluffy flowers and was in bloom. The plant was also spotted in Doha, specifically on Al Mawrid Street in Al Lejbailat area, in May 2016. The observations suggest that Pluchea dioscoridis can be found in various locations in Qatar, including ponds and urban areas, and blooms during different times of the year. The plant's flowers and pappus were consistently described as fluffy, indicating a distinctive characteristic of the species.
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.