Sonchus tenerrimus - Flora of Qatar

Sonchus tenerrimus is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common name slender sowthistle. It is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East. It has been found as well in several other locations around the world, historically in association with ship ballast in coastal regions. It has become naturalized in a few places, such as California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.[+]

Sonchus tenerrimus is an annual or perennial herb producing a slender, branching stem up to about 80 centimeters (32 inches) tall. The leaves are deeply divided into many variously-shaped lobes which may have toothed edges or smaller lobes. The inflorescence bears flower heads lined with glandular, hairy to woolly phyllaries. They are filled with numerous yellow ray florets but no disc florets. The fruit is an achene up to a centimeter long including its pappus.

AI-generated Description

Sonchus tenerrimus, also known as the slender sowthistle, is an annual herb native to Europe and Western Asia. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in disturbed areas, roadsides, and waste grounds, often thriving in dry, sandy soils. The plant's presence in Qatar suggests its ability to adapt to arid environments with limited water availability. Its growth habit, characterized by a slender stem and lyrate-pinnatifid leaves, allows it to compete with other vegetation in these challenging conditions.

Slender sow thistle (Sonchus tenerrimus) on sidewalk on Al Sham Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, March 31, 2016

Al Sham St, Doha, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

The slender sow thistle (Sonchus tenerrimus) was observed growing on a sidewalk on Al Sham Street in the Onaiza area of Doha, Qatar. The plant was found on March 31, 2016, indicating that it can thrive in the country's climate during the spring season. The fact that it was growing on a sidewalk suggests that Sonchus tenerrimus can tolerate urban environments and can grow in areas with disturbed soil. The presence of this plant in Qatar also highlights its ability to naturalize in new regions. Further observations are needed to fully understand the distribution and behavior of Sonchus tenerrimus in Qatar, but this sighting provides valuable information on its adaptability and growth habits in the region. This species is likely to be found in other areas with similar conditions. Its growth on sidewalks may indicate a potential for invasive behavior.

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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.

Sonchus tenerrimus L.

Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article