Stachys arvensis - Flora of Qatar

Cardiaca arvensis, Glechoma arvensis, Glechoma belgica, Glechoma marrubiastrum, Stachys brasiliensis, Trixago arvensis, Trixago colorata, Trixago cordifolia, Trixago punctata, Trixella arvensis

Common names

Annual hedgenettle, fieldnettle betony, field woundwort, hedge-nettle, stagger weed, staggerweed

Extract from Wikipedia article

Stachys arvensis is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common names field woundwort and staggerweed. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It is known on other continents as an introduced species and widespread weed.[+]

It grows in many types of habitat, including disturbed areas, and often in moist spots. It is an annual herb producing a branching stem up to about 60 centimeters in maximum height. The stem is squared in cross-section and it is covered in rough hairs. The oppositely arranged leaves have hairy, serrated or toothed blades up to 2 or 3 centimeters long which are borne on short petioles.

The inflorescence is made up of interrupted clusters of flowers borne in the axils of the leaf pairs. Each cluster has up to 6 flowers with pinkish corollas in hairy purple-tinged calyces of sepals.

AI-generated description

Stachys arvensis, also known as field woundwort or field stachys, is an annual herb native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found growing in areas with moist soils, such as roadside verges, gardens, and waste grounds. The plant is characterized by its hairy stems, ovate leaves, and purple flowers arranged in whorls. In Qatar, Stachys arvensis typically grows from winter to spring, taking advantage of the country's mild winters. It has been reported in various parts of the country, including Doha and Al Rayyan, often as a naturalized weed.

Pinkish tubular flowers of Staggerweed (Stachys arvensis) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014

Paired leaves with bluntly toothed margins of Staggerweed (Stachys arvensis) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014

Paired leaves and pinkish tubular flowers of Staggerweed (Stachys arvensis) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, November 15, 2014

Various weeds on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms, with staggerweed (Stachys arvensis) in foreground. Qatar, January 16, 2015

Seedling of staggerweed (Stachys arvensis) on washed out gravel on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015

Seedling of staggerweed (Stachys arvensis) emerging from gravel wash on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, December 18, 2015

Paired leaves and pinkish tubular flowers of Staggerweed (Stachys arvensis) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 26, 2016

AI-generated summary of observations

Stachys arvensis was observed growing on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms, Qatar, from November 2014 to February 2016. The plant had paired leaves with bluntly toothed margins and pinkish tubular flowers. It was found in various stages of growth, including seedlings, blooming plants, and mature plants forming a carpet on the fields. The observations showed that Stachys arvensis can thrive in irrigated areas, such as Green Circles, and can emerge from gravel wash. The plant was able to grow and bloom throughout the year, with multiple observations of flowers and seedlings during different months. Its ability to grow in a variety of conditions makes it a common weed on the farms. Overall, Stachys arvensis appears to be a resilient and adaptable species in Qatar's agricultural landscapes.

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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.

Stachys arvensis (L.) L.

Synonyms