Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarPoaceaeSporobolus spicatus

Sporobolus spicatus (Vahl) Kunth

Synonyms

Agrostis involuta, Agrostis spicata, Agrostis virginica, Crypsis myosurus, Heleochloa myosurus, Sporobolus faucicola, Vilfa involuta, Vilfa spicata

Common names

Sukham

Extract from Wikipedia article

Sporobolus spicatus, also known as salt grass, is a halophyte.

AI-generated Description

Sporobolus spicatus is a perennial grass native to tropical and subtropical regions. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in sandy areas, such as coastal dunes and saline flats. Research studies have reported its presence in various locations throughout the country, including the northern and southern coasts. The plant is characterized by its slender stems, spike-like inflorescences, and narrow leaves. Its ability to tolerate high salinity and drought makes it well-suited to Qatar's arid environment. However, more specific information on its distribution, abundance, and ecological role in Qatar would require further research and data analysis.

Sporobolus spicatus (salt grass) with narrow cylindrical spikes near a small water channel on roadside between Al Khor and Ras Luffan. Qatar, February 6, 2015
LinkSporobolus spicatus (salt grass) with narrow cylindrical spikes near a small water channel on roadside between Al Khor and Ras Luffan. Qatar, February 6, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Grass Sporobolus spicatus with narrow cylindrical spikes on small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
LinkGrass Sporobolus spicatus with narrow cylindrical spikes on small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Grass Sporobolus spicatus growing along small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
LinkGrass Sporobolus spicatus growing along small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Narrow cylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus on small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
LinkNarrow cylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus on small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Close up of cylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus on small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
LinkClose up of cylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus on small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Masses of cylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus on small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
LinkMasses of cylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus on small water stream north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Narrow cylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus taken from roadside north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
LinkNarrow cylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus taken from roadside north from Al Khor. Qatar, March 7, 2015
Grass Sporobolus spicatus growing on dried bottom of Abu Nakhla jail ponds (sewage lagoons). Qatar, April 18, 2015
LinkGrass Sporobolus spicatus growing on dried bottom of Abu Nakhla jail ponds (sewage lagoons). Qatar, April 18, 2015
Location on mapsطريق الخراره، Qatar
Cylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus found near Al Rafiei Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 24, 2016
LinkCylindrical spikes of grass Sporobolus spicatus found near Al Rafiei Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 24, 2016

AI-generated summary of observations

Sporobolus spicatus was observed growing near water sources in Qatar, including small water channels and streams north of Al Khor, where it formed masses of narrow cylindrical spikes. The grass was also found on the dried bottom of Abu Nakhla jail ponds, indicating its ability to thrive in various conditions. In addition, it was spotted near roadside areas between Al Khor and Ras Luffan, as well as in urban areas, such as Onaiza area in Doha. The plant's cylindrical spikes were a distinctive feature, and they were observed in multiple locations over the course of several months, from February to April, in 2015 and 2016. The observations suggest that Sporobolus spicatus is adaptable and can grow in different environments, including wet and dry areas. Its presence was documented through photographs, providing a visual record of its growth and distribution.

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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.