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Tamarix articulata, Tamarix faras, Tamarix furas, Tamarix orientalis, Tamarix pharas, Tamarix scebelensis, Thuja aphylla
Athal, saltcedar, Tarfa
Tamarix aphylla is the largest known species of Tamarix (height: to18 metres—60 ft) . The species has a variety of common names, including Athel pine, Athel tree, Athel tamarisk, and saltcedar. It is an evergreen tree, native across North, East and Central Africa, through the Middle East, and into parts of Western and Southern Asia.
Tamarix aphylla, also known as Athel tree, is a large, evergreen shrub or small tree native to Africa and the Middle East. In Qatar, it has been introduced and naturalized, often found growing along coastal areas, wadis, and roadsides. Studies in Qatar have reported that Tamarix aphylla can tolerate high salinity levels, making it well-suited to the country's arid environment. It is also valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, although its rapid growth and spread can lead to competition with native vegetation.
Blooming tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla) north from Al Khor Hospital. Qatar, January 30, 2015
Unnamed Road, Qatar
Inflorescence tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla) taken from area north from Al Khor Hospital. Qatar, January 30, 2015
Close up of tamarisk flowers (Tamarix aphylla) taken from area north from Al Khor Hospital. Qatar, January 30, 2015
Blooming tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla) near a fence of Sealine Beach Resort near Mesaieed. Southern Qatar, December 11, 2015Sealine Beach Rd, Qatar
Fruits of tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla) near a fence of Sealine Beach Resort near Mesaieed. Southern Qatar, December 11, 2015Sealine Beach Rd, Qatar
Tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla) in a roadside depression east from Al Jebail water treatment plant. Al Khor, Qatar, January 23, 2016Unnamed Road, QatarTamarix aphylla was observed blooming north of Al Khor Hospital on January 30, 2015, with inflorescence and close-up views of its flowers taken at the site. The plant was also found near Sealine Beach Resort in southern Qatar on December 11, 2015, where it was seen blooming and producing fruits. Another sighting occurred on January 23, 2016, in a roadside depression east of Al Jebail water treatment plant in Al Khor, indicating the plant's ability to thrive in various environments. The observations suggest that Tamarix aphylla can be found in different parts of Qatar, including coastal and inland areas, and can bloom and produce fruits during the winter months. Its presence was documented through photographs of its blooms, inflorescence, and fruits.
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.