Home Page > Picture Archives > > Caryophyllaceae > Sclerocephalus arabicus
Paronychia sclerocarpa, Paronychia sclerocephala, Sclerocephalus aucheri
Haras, hasak, Knucklehead Weed, thereisa, thrais
Sclerocephalus arabicus is a rare and endangered succulent plant native to the Arabian Peninsula. In Qatar, it has been found in limited areas, typically growing on limestone rocks and sandy soils. The plant is characterized by its small size, fleshy leaves, and white or yellowish flowers. Due to its restricted range and habitat specificity, Sclerocephalus arabicus is considered a priority species for conservation efforts in Qatar.
Sclerocephalus arabicus in desert near industrial zone of Ras Laffan, north from Doha. Qatar, March 23, 2013
Rashid Street, Ad-Daẖirah, Qatar
Knucklehead Weed (Sclerocephalus arabicus, Paronychia sclerocephala, local names hasak, thereisa) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014سودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطر
Knucklehead Weed (Sclerocephalus arabicus, Paronychia sclerocephala, local names hasak, thereisa) near a road to Sawda Natheel in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014الريان, قطر
Knucklehead Weed (Sclerocephalus arabicus, Paronychia sclerocephala, local names hasak, thereisa) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014خط الوكير، Qatar
Knucklehead Weed (Sclerocephalus arabicus, Paronychia sclerocephala, local names hasak, thereisa) on roadside of Dukhan Highway near Al Shakhaniya. Qatar, January 15, 2016Dukhan Hwy, Qatar
Mat of Knucklehead Weed (Sclerocephalus arabicus, Paronychia sclerocephala, local names hasak, thereisa) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, January 15, 2016Dukhan Hwy, Qatar
Seedlings of Knucklehead Weed (Sclerocephalus arabicus) on roadside near Ras Laffan. Qatar, January 16, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Close up of a seedling of Knucklehead Weed (Sclerocephalus arabicus) taken from a roadside near Ras Laffan. Qatar, January 16, 2016Observations of Sclerocephalus arabicus in Qatar reveal that the plant can be found in various locations, including deserts and roadsides. It has been spotted near industrial zones, such as Ras Laffan, and along highways, like Dukhan Highway. The plant grows in sandy areas and can form mats in roadside depressions. Seedlings have been observed on roadsides, particularly near Ras Laffan. The plant is also known by local names "hasak" and "thereisa". It has been found in southern Qatar, near the road to Saudi Arabia and Sawda Natheel, as well as in the north, near Doha. The observations were made between 2013 and 2016, during different times of the year, including February, March, and January.
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.