Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarPoaceaeRostraria pumila

Rostraria pumila (Desf.) Tzvelev

Synonyms

Avena pumila, Koeleria advena, Koeleria bornmuelleri, Koeleria canariensis, Koeleria pumila, Koeleria sinaica, Lophochloa cristata, Lophochloa pumila, Rostraria fuscescens, Trisetaria fuscescens, Trisetaria pumila, Trisetum balearicum, Trisetum fuscescens, Trisetum pumilum

Common names

Hair-grass, safw, sajil, zawaan

AI-generated Description

Rostraria pumila is an annual grass native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found growing in sandy soils and coastal areas, often in association with other desert vegetation. It is a small, delicate grass that grows up to 10-30 cm tall, with narrow leaves and a slender stem. In Qatar, R. pumila typically blooms from February to April, producing small, spike-like inflorescences. It is considered a common species in the country's flora, particularly in areas with low vegetation cover and high soil salinity.

Rostraria pumila(?) grass in silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Thaghab Al Majda. North-western Qatar, February 28, 2014
LinkRostraria pumila(?) grass in silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara in area of Thaghab Al Majda. North-western Qatar, February 28, 2014
Location on mapsAl Ghuwairiya HC St, Al-Ghuwayriyah, Qatar
Grass Rostraria pumila (Avena pumila) growing in silt in abandoned farms in Ras Laffan. Northern Qatar, February 28, 2014
LinkGrass Rostraria pumila (Avena pumila) growing in silt in abandoned farms in Ras Laffan. Northern Qatar, February 28, 2014
Location on mapsAl Shamal Road, Qatar
Rostraria pumila (Avena pumila) grass near Zekreet in western Qatar, March 3, 2014
LinkRostraria pumila (Avena pumila) grass near Zekreet in western Qatar, March 3, 2014
Location on mapsAbdulla Bin Jasim Street, Dukhan, Qatar
Masses of grass Rostraria pumila in a dried silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, near Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
LinkMasses of grass Rostraria pumila in a dried silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, near Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Spikes of grass Rostraria pumila taken from a dried silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, near Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
LinkSpikes of grass Rostraria pumila taken from a dried silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, near Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
Close up of grass Rostraria pumila taken from a dried silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, near Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
LinkClose up of grass Rostraria pumila taken from a dried silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, near Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
Grass Rostraria pumila in area of Jabal Al Jassasiya, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, February 12, 2016
LinkGrass Rostraria pumila in area of Jabal Al Jassasiya, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, February 12, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Grass Rostraria pumila in shallow depression in area of Jabal Al Jassasiya, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, February 12, 2016
LinkGrass Rostraria pumila in shallow depression in area of Jabal Al Jassasiya, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, February 12, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Grass Rostraria pumila (Avena pumila)(?) in sand on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
LinkGrass Rostraria pumila (Avena pumila)(?) in sand on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Spikes of grass Rostraria pumila on waste ground near Jabla Bin Atiya Street in Umm Lekhba area. Doha, Qatar, February 22, 2016
LinkSpikes of grass Rostraria pumila on waste ground near Jabla Bin Atiya Street in Umm Lekhba area. Doha, Qatar, February 22, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Doha, Qatar
Dense stand of grass Rostraria pumila on waste ground near Jabla Bin Atiya Street in Umm Lekhba area. Doha, Qatar, February 22, 2016
LinkDense stand of grass Rostraria pumila on waste ground near Jabla Bin Atiya Street in Umm Lekhba area. Doha, Qatar, February 22, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Doha, Qatar
Field of grass Rostraria pumila on waste ground near Jabla Bin Atiya Street in Umm Lekhba area. Doha, Qatar, February 22, 2016
LinkField of grass Rostraria pumila on waste ground near Jabla Bin Atiya Street in Umm Lekhba area. Doha, Qatar, February 22, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Doha, Qatar
Rostraria pumila (Avena pumila)(?) grass on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 19, 2016
LinkRostraria pumila (Avena pumila)(?) grass on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 19, 2016
Location on mapsFuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Rostraria pumila was observed growing in various locations throughout Qatar, including silty depressions, abandoned farms, and waste ground. The grass was found in north-western, northern, and western regions of the country, as well as on the north-eastern coast. It thrived in a range of environments, from silt and sand to rocky ridges. Observations were made over several years, with multiple sightings in February and March, suggesting that the plant blooms during this time. The grass was often found in dense stands or masses, indicating its ability to colonize and spread quickly. In some areas, it was seen growing alongside roadsides, suggesting its tolerance for disturbed habitats. Overall, Rostraria pumila appears to be a hardy and adaptable species in Qatar.

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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.