Home Page > Picture Archives > > Poaceae > Stipa capensis
Stipa humilis, Stipa liwinowii, Stipa retorta, Stipa seminuda, Stipa tenacissima, Stipa tortilis
Safa, samma, spear grass
Stipa capensis (Mediterranean steppegrass or twisted-awned speargrass) is an annual grass from family Poaceae.[+]
Stipa capensis is a species of grass known for its feathery plumes and slender stems. In Qatar, it has been found to thrive in various habitats, including coastal areas and sandy dunes, where it contributes to the stabilization of soil and supports local biodiversity. Its presence indicates a relatively undisturbed environment with suitable conditions for native vegetation.
Spear grass (Stipa capensis, local names samma, safa) in Uwaynat Bin Husayn near Simaisma. Qatar, February 28, 2015
Al Khor Coastal Road, Qatar
Spear grass (Stipa capensis, local names samma, safa) growing in a roadside depression of a road to Zubara. Qatar, February 28, 2015Unnamed Road, Al-Ghuwayriyah, Qatar
Spear grass (Stipa capensis) in a runnel on the periphery of Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, March 14, 2015Al Wukair Street, Qatar
Spear grass (Stipa capensis) in roadside depression near Dukhan Highway. Qatar, January 15, 2016Dukhan Hwy, Qatar
Close up of Spear grass (Stipa capensis) taken from roadside depression of Dukhan Highway. Qatar, January 15, 2016
Spike of Spear grass (Stipa capensis) taken from roadside depression of Dukhan Highway. Qatar, January 15, 2016
Spear grass (Stipa capensis) in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 12, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Field of spear grass (Stipa capensis) in a roadside depression of Khawzan Road. Qatar, February 20, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Spear grass (Stipa capensis) in a roadside depression of Khawzan Road. Qatar, February 20, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Spikes of spear grass (Stipa capensis) in a roadside depression of Khawzan Road. Qatar, February 20, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Wide angle view of a field of spear grass (Stipa capensis) in a roadside depression of Khawzan Road. Qatar, February 20, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Field of spear grass (Stipa capensis) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Awned spikes of spear grass (Stipa capensis) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Dense stand of spear grass (Stipa capensis) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Large field of spear grass (Stipa capensis) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Spear grass (Stipa capensis) in a depression near a road to Al Numan. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Field of spear grass (Stipa capensis) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Spikes of spear grass (Stipa capensis) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, March 12, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Dry spear grass (Stipa capensis, local names samma, safa) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, March 26, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Masses of dry spear grass (Stipa capensis, local names samma, safa) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, March 26, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Yellow spikes of dry spear grass (Stipa capensis, local names samma, safa) in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, March 26, 2016Unnamed Road, Qatar
Field of dry spear grass (Stipa capensis, local names samma, safa) with Ziziphus and Lycium bushes in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, March 26, 2016Unnamed Road, QatarSpear grass (Stipa capensis) was observed growing in various locations throughout Qatar, including roadside depressions, runnels, and fields. It was found near Simaisma, Zubara, Irkhaya Farms, Dukhan Highway, Route 77 to Ras Laffan, Khawzan Road, and Al Zubara Road. The grass formed dense stands and large fields in some areas, such as Yoodah depression and Khawzan Road. Observations were made during different months, including February, March, and January, with the grass appearing dry and yellow in late March. Local names for the plant include "samma" and "safa". The grass was often found alongside other vegetation, like Ziziphus and Lycium bushes. Its spikes and awns were also observed in detail, providing insight into its growth habits and appearance.
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QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.