Purple flower of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus)(?) near Harrarah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014Raphanistrum gayanum, Raphanus acanthiformis, Raphanus candidus, Raphanus gayanus, Raphanus taquetii
Fijil, fodder radish, ruweid
The radish (Raphanus sativus) is an edible root vegetable of the Brassicaceae family that was domesticated in Europe in pre-Roman times. Radishes are grown and consumed throughout the world. They have numerous varieties, varying in size, color and duration of required cultivation time. Some radishes are grown for their seeds: oilseed radishes, for instance, may be grown for oil production. Radish can sprout from seed to small plant in as little as 3 days.
Raphanus sativus, commonly known as radish, is a fast-growing annual or biennial plant native to Asia and Europe. In Qatar, it has been found to grow wild in various regions, including gardens, farms, and along roadsides. The plant thrives in the country's mild winters and can tolerate some heat, making it a common sight during the winter months (December to February). Studies have reported its presence in areas such as Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, and Doha, where it often grows as a weed or is cultivated for its edible roots. The plant's ability to adapt to Qatar's arid climate and soil conditions has allowed it to naturalize in the region.
Purple flower of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus)(?) near Harrarah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
Flower of radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms. South-western Qatar, March 29, 2014
Radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms. South-western Qatar, March 29, 2014
Radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Brown butterflies on flowers of radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Clouded Yellow butterfly (Colias croceus) on flowers of radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Clouded Yellow butterfly (Colias croceus) sitting on flowers of radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Bee like fly on flowers of radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Back lit Clouded Yellow butterfly (Colias croceus) on flowers of radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Clouded Yellow butterfly (Colias croceus) on a flower of radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014
Fodder radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Ammouriya Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, March 29, 2015
Flowers of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Ammouriya Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, March 29, 2015
Plant of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Ammouriya Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, March 29, 2015
Radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Flowers of radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, April 10, 2015
Fodder radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016
Inflorescence of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) with aphids on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016
Flowers of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016
Blooming fodder radish (Raphanus sativus, local names ruweid, fijil) on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, February 24, 2016
Pink flowers of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 26, 2016
Pink variety of flowers of fodder radish (Raphanus sativus) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 26, 2016
Wild radish (Raphanus sativus) with pink flowers on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 26, 2016
Wild radish (Raphanus sativus) blooming in pink flowers on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 26, 2016
Fodder radish (Raphanus sativus) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, June 3, 2016Raphanus sativus was observed in various locations in Qatar, including southern Qatar, Irkhaya Farms, and Doha. The plant was found to have purple, pink, and white flowers, and was often seen on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) fields. Insects such as brown butterflies, Clouded Yellow butterflies, and bee-like flies were observed visiting the flowers. The plant was also found to be infested with aphids in some cases. Local names for the plant include "ruweid" and "fijil". The observations were made over a period of several years, from 2014 to 2016, and during different seasons, including February, March, April, and June. The plant was often seen blooming and producing flowers, indicating its ability to thrive in Qatar's climate.
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.