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Asteriscus arabicus
Arfaj
Rhanterium epapposum is a plant of the Asteraceae family. Native to the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait where it is known locally as Arfaj (Arabic: عرفج). The Arfaj plant consists of a complicated network of branches scattered with small thorny leaves and bright yellow flowers about 1.5 cm wide. The Arfaj flower is also the national flower of Kuwait. It is a very bushy shrub approximately 80 cm height. The leaves are small and narrow, and in late spring it will start flowering (April-May). It is considered one of the main desert forage plants for camels and sheep.[+]
Rhanterium epapposum, also known as desert broom, is a shrubby perennial plant native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it is commonly found in sandy dunes and arid environments. Studies have shown that R. epapposum plays a crucial role in stabilizing sand dunes and providing habitat for local wildlife. It has also been used in traditional Qatari medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. The plant's ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes it an important component of Qatar's desert ecosystem.
Rhanterium epapposum (native name Arfaj) in desert near industrial zone of Ras Laffan, north from Doha. Qatar, March 23, 2013
Rashid Street, Ad-Daẖirah, Qatar
Blooming Rhanterium epapposum (native name Arfaj) in desert near industrial zone of Ras Laffan, north from Doha. Qatar, March 23, 2013Rashid Street, Ad-Daẖirah, Qatar
Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) in a small wadi near Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms. South-western Qatar, March 29, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Blooming arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) in a small wadi near Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms. South-western Qatar, March 29, 2014خط الوكير، Qatar
Rhanterium epapposum (local name Arfaj) on roadside of Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Yellow flowers of Rhanterium epapposum (local name Arfaj) on roadside of Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) on periphery of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, March 5, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Blooming bush of Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) on periphery of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, March 5, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) growing on gypsum pavement (selenite) in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh) in south-western Qatar, March 11, 2016Salwa Rd, Qatar
Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) growing on sand covering gypsum crystals (selenite) in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh) in south-western Qatar, March 11, 2016Salwa Rd, Qatar
Blooming Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) growing on sand covering layers of gypsum crystals (selenite) in area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh (Khashm an Nakhsh) in south-western Qatar, March 11, 2016Salwa Rd, QatarRhanterium epapposum, also known as Arfaj, was observed in various locations in Qatar. It was found growing in the desert near Ras Laffan industrial zone, north of Doha, and in a small wadi near Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms, south-western Qatar. The plant was also spotted on the roadside of Route 77 to Ras Laffan and on the periphery of Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms. Additionally, it was observed growing on gypsum pavement and sand covering gypsum crystals in the area of Jebel Al-Nakhsh in south-western Qatar. The plant was seen blooming with yellow flowers in March, and its growth was noted in different environments, including desert and irrigated areas. The observations were made over several years, from 2013 to 2016, and demonstrate the plant's adaptability to different conditions.
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