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Salsola foetida
Hamd zeohyr, khereit
Salsola imbricata is a shrubby species of saltwort native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found growing in coastal and inland areas, often in saline or sandy soils. Studies have shown that S. imbricata is relatively common in Qatar's natural habitats, including sabkhas (salt flats) and sand dunes. It is a halophyte, tolerant of high salt concentrations, and can thrive in arid environments with limited rainfall. Local research has highlighted the importance of S. imbricata as a food source for local wildlife, such as gazelles and birds, and its potential role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion in Qatar's fragile ecosystems.
Saltwort (Salsola imbricata) with a winged fruit east from Arch (Rainbow) Roundabout. Doha, Qatar, April 9, 2011
Salt tolerant plant Salsola imbricata found near near Dar Al Salam Compound, Abu Hamour area. Doha, Qatar, May 10, 2013
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) in empty area north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014
Meshrif Street, Doha, Qatar
Salt tolerant plant Salsola imbricata in empty area north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014Meshrif Street, Doha, Qatar
Back lit salt tolerant plant Salsola imbricata in empty area north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014Meshrif Street, Doha, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) at sunrise in empty area north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014Al Istiqlal Street, Doha, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) taken from empty area north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay at sunrise. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014Al Istiqlal Street, Doha, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) in empty area north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 28, 2014Al Istiqlal Street, Doha, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) on dry soil north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 28, 2014Al Istiqlal Street, Doha, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) on sidewalk of Meshrif Street near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 11, 2014Meshrif St, Doha, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) on salty wasteland in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, August 23, 2014Meshrif Street, Doha, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) with fluffy growth caused by gall midges (gall gnats, Cecidomyidae) in a village of Al Mashrab in area of Ras Laffan Farms. Northern Qatar, October 6, 2014
Glasswort Salsola imbricata with clumps of white hair caused by gall midges (gall gnats, Cecidomyidae) in a village of Al Mashrab in area of Ras Laffan Farms. Northern Qatar, October 6, 2014
Clumps of white hair by gall midges (gall gnats, Cecidomyidae) of glasswort Salsola imbricata taken from a village of Al Mashrab in area of Ras Laffan Farms. Northern Qatar, October 6, 2014
Winged fruits of saltwort (Salsola imbricata) in a village of Al Mashrab in area of Ras Laffan Farms. Northern Qatar, October 18, 2014Majlis Al Taawon Street, Doha, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) on wasteland near Al Istiqlal Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, October 20, 2014Meshrif Street, Doha, Qatar
Winged seeds of glasswort (Salsola imbricata) taken from wasteland near Al Istiqlal Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, October 20, 2014Al Istiqlal Street, Doha, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) with fluffy growth caused by gall midges (gall gnats, Cecidomyidae) on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Qatar, January 31, 2015Fuwyrit Beach Road, Qatar
Clumps of white hair caused by gall midges (gall gnats, Cecidomyidae) on glasswort Salsola imbricata on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Qatar, January 31, 2015Fuwyrit Beach Road, Qatar
Saltwort (Salsola imbricata) south from Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, March 20, 2015Fuwyrit Beach Road, Qatar
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) taken from Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, May 29, 2015
Woolly growth on glasswort (Salsola imbricata) caused by gall midges (gall gnats, Cecidomyidae) taken from Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, May 29, 2015
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata) on roadside of Salwa Road near Mukaynis. Qatar, February 5, 2016Dukhan Hwy, Ash-Shahaniyah, Qatar
Shoots of glasswort (Salsola imbricata)(?) taken from a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 9, 2016
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata)(?) taken from a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 9, 2016
Glasswort (Salsola imbricata)(?) in dew on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016Fuwyrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Twigs of Glasswort (Salsola imbricata)(?) on a rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, February 19, 2016Fuwayrit Beach Rd, Qatar
Young plant of glasswort (Salsola imbricata)(?) taken from roadside in Dukhan. Qatar, February 20, 2016Unnamed Road, QatarThe plant Salsola imbricata was observed in various locations in Qatar between 2011 and 2016. It was found in Doha, particularly in the West Bay area, as well as in other regions such as Al Mashrab, Ras Laffan Farms, Jebel Fuwairit, and Purple Island. The plant was often seen growing on wasteland, rocky ridges, and sidewalks, and was noted for its salt tolerance. Some observations recorded the presence of gall midges, which caused fluffy growth or clumps of white hair on the plant. The plant's winged fruits were also observed. Overall, Salsola imbricata appears to be a common and widespread species in Qatar, able to thrive in a variety of environments. Its ability to tolerate salt and grow in dry conditions makes it well adapted to the country's arid climate.
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