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Arnopogon asper, Arnopogon capensis, Arnopogon picroides, Daumailia spinulosa, Tragopogon aculeatus, Tragopogon asper, Tragopogon capensis, Tragopogon picridoides, Tragopogon picroides, Tragopogon sonchifolius, Urospermum asperum, Urospermum capense
Jeidaid, prickly golden fleece
Urospermum picroides is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common name prickly goldenfleece. It is native to Eurasia and it is known as an introduced species in many other regions, including North and South America, Australia, and southern Africa. It grows as a common weed in disturbed habitat. This annual herb grows up to 30 to 50 centimeters tall. It is coated in long hairs and bristles. The bristly leaves are variously shaped, often divided into many sharp-toothed lobes. The inflorescence bears flower heads on thick peduncles. The head is 1 to 2 centimeters long or more and filled with yellow ray florets. It is enveloped in several pointed phyllaries which are covered in bristly hairs. The fruit is an achene well over a centimeter in length which is tipped with a pappus of bristles.
Urospermum picroides, also known as the prickly centaury, is an annual herb native to Europe and Western Asia. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in disturbed areas, roadsides, and waste grounds, often in sandy or gravelly soils. It is a relatively small plant with hairy leaves and stems, producing yellow flowers from January to April. The species has been recorded in various parts of Qatar, including Doha and the northern regions, typically thriving in areas with low vegetation cover. Its presence in Qatar indicates its ability to adapt to arid environments and tolerate high temperatures.
Prickly goldenfleece (Urospermum picroides) in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015
Makkah Street, Doha, Qatar
Flower of prickly goldenfleece (Urospermum picroides) taken from Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015Doha Expressway, Doha, Qatar
Plant of prickly goldenfleece (Urospermum picroides) taken from Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015
Flower heads of prickly goldenfleece (Urospermum picroides) taken from a place with water leakage in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015The plant Urospermum picroides was observed in the Al Luqta area of Doha, Qatar on March 13, 2015. It was found to have prickly leaves and stems, with yellow flowers arranged in flower heads. The plants were seen growing in areas with water leakage, suggesting that they thrive in moist environments. The flower heads were also observed to be densely packed with small flowers, giving the plant its characteristic golden fleece appearance. In the Al Luqta area, the plant was able to grow and bloom, indicating that it is adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Overall, the observations suggest that Urospermum picroides is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of environments. The plant's ability to grow in areas with water leakage highlights its potential to colonize disturbed or irrigated areas.
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.