Unripe globular fruit capsules with persistent calyces of scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea, local name ain al qit) on roadside of a road to Zubara in Al Magdah farms area, in north-western Qatar, February 22, 2014Anagallis caerulea, Lysimachia foemina
Ain al qit, Scarlet Pimpernel, uwaynah
Scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis; also known as red pimpernel, red chickweed, poorman's barometer, poor man's weather-glass, shepherd's weather glass or shepherd's clock) is a low-growing annual plant. The native range of the species is Europe and Western and North Africa. The species has been distributed widely by humans, either deliberately as an ornamental flower or accidentally. A. arvensis is now naturalised almost worldwide, with a range that encompasses the Americas, Central and East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Malesia, the Pacific Islands, Australasia and Southern Africa.[+]
Anagallis arvensis, also known as scarlet pimpernel, is an annual herb native to Europe and Western Asia. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and can be found growing in disturbed areas, roadsides, and waste grounds. It is a small, sprawling plant with blue or red flowers and ovate leaves. Studies in Qatar have reported its presence in various regions, including Doha and Al Rayyan, often as a weed in urban and agricultural areas. Its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions makes it a common sight in the country's arid environment.
Unripe globular fruit capsules with persistent calyces of scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea, local name ain al qit) on roadside of a road to Zubara in Al Magdah farms area, in north-western Qatar, February 22, 2014
Blue flowers of scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea, local name ain al qit) in a depression near a road to Zubara in Al Magdah farms area, in north-western Qatar, February 22, 2014
Blooming scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea, local name ain al qit) in a depression near a road to Zubara in Al Magdah farms area, in north-western Qatar, February 22, 2014
Close up of scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea, local name ain al qit) in a depression near a road to Zubara in Al Magdah farms area, in north-western Qatar, February 22, 2014
Flowers of scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea, local name ain al qit) in a depression near a road to Zubara in Al Magdah farms area, in north-western Qatar, February 22, 2014
Scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea, local name ain al qit) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 20, 2015
Flower of scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea) in shade of ziziphus bushes in a silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
Blooming scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea) in a small runnel in area of Ras Laffan Farms, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, February 12, 2016
Blue flowers of scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea) in a small runnel in area of Ras Laffan Farms, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, February 12, 2016
Scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea) growing in shade of Ziziphus bushes in Yoodah depression near Al Zubara Road. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016Observations of Anagallis arvensis in Qatar reveal that it grows in various areas, including roadsides, depressions, and farms. The plant produces blue flowers, which were observed in multiple locations, including Al Magdah farms area, Irkhaya Farms, and Ras Laffan Farms. It was also found growing in shade of ziziphus bushes, often alongside other plants like Golden chamomile. The fruit capsules of the plant were observed to be globular and unripe, with persistent calyces. The plant was seen blooming in different areas, including depressions near roads and in small runnels, during the months of February 2014, 2015, and 2016. Overall, Anagallis arvensis appears to be a common and widespread species in Qatar, able to thrive in various environments. Its blue flowers are a distinctive feature, and it often grows in association with other plants.
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.