Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarFabaceaeTrigonella stellata

Trigonella stellata Forssk.

Common names

Hilba bariyah, nafal barri, quTeifah, Star Fenugreek

AI-generated Description

Trigonella stellata, also known as starry fenugreek, is a perennial herb native to the Middle East and North Africa. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in sandy and rocky areas, often in association with other desert plants. Studies have shown that T. stellata is a common species in Qatari flora, particularly in the country's northern regions. It is characterized by its star-shaped flowers and trifoliate leaves, and is often used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits. Local researchers have also investigated the plant's potential as a source of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds.

Clover like flowers of Trigonella stellata near Northern Road (Shamal). Qatar, March 7, 2012
LinkClover like flowers of Trigonella stellata near Northern Road (Shamal). Qatar, March 7, 2012
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Star Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata) or Medicago(?) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
LinkStar Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata) or Medicago(?) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Location on mapsسودا ناثيل, أم حوطة, الريان, قطر
Star Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata, local name nafal barri) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
LinkStar Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata, local name nafal barri) near a road to Saudi Arabia in southern Qatar, February 11, 2014
Location on mapsأم حوطة, الريان, قطر
Star Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata, local name nafal barri) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
LinkStar Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata, local name nafal barri) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
Location on mapsخط الوكير، Qatar
Star Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata, local name nafal barri) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
LinkStar Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata, local name nafal barri) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
Location on mapsخط الوكير، Qatar
Star Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata, local name nafal barri) in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
LinkStar Fenugreek (Trigonella stellata, local name nafal barri) in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Trigonella stellata has been observed in various locations throughout Qatar. On March 7, 2012, clover-like flowers of the plant were seen near Northern Road (Shamal). In southern Qatar, it was spotted near a road to Saudi Arabia on February 11, 2014, and also in sand near Trainah on February 14, 2014. The local name for the plant is "nafal barri". Another sighting occurred on February 6, 2016, in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. The plant has been identified as Star Fenugreek, and its presence has been documented through photographs taken at these locations over several years. The observations suggest that Trigonella stellata can thrive in Qatar's sandy environments and roadside areas. Its ability to grow in these conditions is notable, and further study could provide insight into its ecological role in the region.

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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.