Seedling of Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata, local name suwaid) on a beach of Umm Tays Island in Madinat Al Shamal area. Qatar, March 14, 2014Salsola mollis, Suaeda mollis, Suaeda monodiana
Seablite, Suaeda friticosa, suwaid
Suaeda vermiculata is a halophytic shrub native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found to thrive in coastal saline environments, such as salt flats and sabkhas. Studies have shown that Suaeda vermiculata is a common component of Qatari flora, particularly in areas with high soil salinity and low vegetation cover. It is able to tolerate extreme conditions, including high temperatures, drought, and salt stress, making it well adapted to Qatar's arid climate. Local research has also highlighted the plant's potential for use in rehabilitation and restoration efforts in degraded or saline environments.
Seedling of Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata, local name suwaid) on a beach of Umm Tays Island in Madinat Al Shamal area. Qatar, March 14, 2014
Close up of Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) on sand of Umm Tays Island in Madinat Al Shamal area. Qatar, March 14, 2014
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) in empty area north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) at sunrise in empty area north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) taken from empty area north from crossing of Al Istiqlal and Al Markhiya streets in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, April 25, 2014
Close up of a twig of Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) in Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, September 26, 2014
Small plant of Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) among shells near Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, September 26, 2014
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) taken from area of Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim) in Al Khor. Qatar, September 26, 2014
Tiny flowers of seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) in Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, October 9, 2014
Big plant of Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) on a beach in Abu Samra, near the border. Southern Qatar, November 29, 2014
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, January 9, 2015
Shoot of seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, January 9, 2015
Salt tolerant plant of seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) near a small water channel on roadside between Al Khor and Ras Luffan. Qatar, February 6, 2015
Close up of a twig of seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) with fruits near Al Khor Hospital. Qatar, February 6, 2015
Bush of seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) on roadside between Mesaieed and Al Wakra in Southern Qatar, July 10, 2015
Branch of seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) on roadside between Mesaieed and Al Wakra. Southern Qatar, July 10, 2015
Close up of round-leaf variety of seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) taken from roadside between Mesaieed and Al Wakra. Qatar, July 10, 2015
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) with round leaf variation on roadside of Salwa Road in Abu Samra, near the border. Southern Qatar, October 16, 2015
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) near Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, October 17, 2015
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) on a shore near Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim) in Al Khor. Qatar, November 28, 2015
Highly succulent form of seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) in area of Ras Laffan farms. North-eastern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, March 19, 2016
Seablite (Suaeda vermiculata) near sandstone cliffs on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim). Al Khor, Qatar, June 18, 2016The plant Suaeda vermiculata, also known as seablite, was observed in various locations throughout Qatar from March 2014 to June 2016. The observations were made in coastal areas, including beaches and islands, as well as in inland areas, such as roadsides and depressions. The plant was found to be highly adaptable and able to thrive in a range of environments, including salty and sandy soils. Various forms of the plant were observed, including seedlings, young shoots, and mature bushes, with some displaying succulent leaves or round leaf variations. The plant was also found to produce fruits and flowers, with male and female flowers observed in some cases. Overall, the observations suggest that Suaeda vermiculata is a common and widespread species in Qatar, able to tolerate a range of conditions and thrive in diverse environments.
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.