The first spell of rain has brought its magic all across the deserts of Qatar. A few days after it received scattered showers, the parched landscape of Qatar’s interiors has transformed into green patches which are scattered with small indigenous flowers in various hues.
The interiors of Shamaal, Umm Salal Muhammed, Umm Salal Ali, Shahaniya and Sealine are sprinkled with tiny-bright natural flowers. A mosaic of violet, yellow, white and crimson flowers can be spotted in these areas.
The parasitic plant Cistanche Tabulosa has also sprouted in large numbers in the Mesaeed area.
Its flower ‘schenk’, popularly known as ‘Desert Hyacinth’ is known for its medicinal value. The plant normally
blooms early spring.
Savignya Parviflora, Qatar’s another natural plant, were seen in bloom across the northern deserts. It is a plant that blooms in a short span of period.
Rains have also rejuvenated Qatar’s various plants like Anastatica hierochuntica, Sclerocephalus Arabicus and Meicago laciniata.
Mainly spotted in Shamaal area, Anastatica hierochuntica, popularly known as resurrection plant, belonging to the mustard family. The small, gray plant curls its branches and seedpods inward in the dry season, forming a ball that opens only
when moistened.
Though Qatar experienced full rain of the season on December 6, the interiors have been experiencing occasional rains over the last two weeks.
The Friends of Environment Centre (FEC), under its Qatar Flora Awareness programme, has been launching an extensive campaign to promote local awareness of Qatar’s indigenous plant life and its role in protecting them. It has also been awarding grants to the worthy environmental and conservation causes.
The FEC, under its “A flower Each Spring”, is expected to announce the name of the “Flower of the Year’ in the coming days.
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