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Ephemerum bicolor, Ephemerum discolor, Rhoeo discolor, Rhoeo spathacea, Tradescantia discolor, Tradescantia versicolor
Boatlily, Moses-in-the-Cradle
Tradescantia spathacea, the boatlily or Moses-in-the-Cradle, is a herb in the Commelinaceae first described in 1788. It is native to Belize, Guatemala, and southern Mexico (Chiapas, Tabasco, and the Yucatán Peninsula) but widely cultivated as an ornamental and naturalized in parts of Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and various oceanic islands.[+]
Tradescantia spathacea, also known as Moses-in-the-cradle, is a perennial herb native to Central and South America. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and can be found growing wild, particularly in urban areas and along roadsides. It thrives in the country's warm and dry climate, often forming dense clusters with its purple-blue flowers and distinctive boat-shaped bracts. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, including Doha and Al Rayyan, where it has become a common sight in gardens, parks, and other disturbed habitats.
Dark red plants of boat lily (Tradescantia spathacea, Rhoeo discolor) in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, March 21, 2016
Al Markhiya St, Doha, Qatar
Dark red rosettes of leaves of boat lily (Tradescantia spathacea, Rhoeo discolor) in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, March 21, 2016Al Baihaqi St, Doha, Qatar
Back lit plants of boat lily (Tradescantia spathacea, Rhoeo discolor) in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, April 26, 2016Al Markhiya St, Doha, Qatar
Boat lily (Tradescantia spathacea, Rhoeo discolor) in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, April 26, 2016Al Markhiya St, Doha, Qatar
Boat lily (Tradescantia spathacea, Rhoeo discolor) in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, May 30, 2016Al Markhiya St, Doha, QatarObservations of Tradescantia spathacea in Qatar revealed dark red plants with distinctive rosettes of leaves. The plants were found in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street, Doha, and were observed on multiple dates: March 21, April 26, and May 30, 2016. The plants appeared vibrant, with backlit views showcasing their unique coloration. On different observation dates, the boat lily plants maintained their dark red hue, suggesting adaptability to Qatar's environment. The consistency of observations across several months indicates that Tradescantia spathacea can thrive in Doha's climate, particularly in park settings like Dahl Al Hamam Park. Overall, the observations highlight the plant's ability to grow and maintain its characteristic appearance in Qatar's conditions.
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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.