Eyelash Plant (Blepharis ciliaris, Blepharis persica, Ruellia ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014Acanthodium delilii, Acanthodium spicatum, Acanthus delilei, Acanthus edulis, Acanthus pectinatus, Acanthus tetragonus, Blepharis edulis, Blepharis hirta, Blepharis obovata, Ruellia ciliaris
Begheil, Blepharis persica, Eyelash Plant, nejayae, nejaye, niqeyl, shawk al-Dhub, shouk al dab
Blepharis ciliaris is an annual herb native to tropical Africa and Asia. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in sandy areas and coastal regions, typically from February to May. The plant can reach up to 30 cm in height and has hairy stems with lance-shaped leaves. Its blue or purple flowers are bilabiate, meaning they have two lips, which is a distinctive characteristic of the species. In Qatar, Blepharis ciliaris is considered a rare and localized species, often found in areas with low vegetation cover.
Eyelash Plant (Blepharis ciliaris, Blepharis persica, Ruellia ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) in sand near Trainah in southern Qatar, February 14, 2014
Eyelash Plant (Blepharis ciliaris, Blepharis persica, Ruellia ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) with blue flowers near a road from Dukhan to Al Jumayliyah. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014
Lilac and white veined flower of Eyelash Plant (Blepharis ciliaris, Blepharis persica, Ruellia ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) near a road from Dukhan to Al Jumayliyah. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014
Eyelash Plant (Blepharis ciliaris, Blepharis persica, Ruellia ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) near a road from Dukhan to Al Jumayliyah. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014
Eyelash Plant (Blepharis ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) in oasis in front of Film City in Ras Abrouq peninsula in west central coastal area, north from Zekreet. Qatar, November 14, 2014
Winter rosette of leaves of Eyelash Plant (Blepharis ciliaris) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Shoot of Eyelash Plant (Blepharis ciliaris) on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Eyelash Plant (Blepharis ciliaris) with flowers on roadside of a road to Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Eyelash plant (Blepharis ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) on a roadside of a road to Al Numan. Northern Qatar, February 28, 2015
Dry Eyelash plant (Blepharis ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) on a roadside of a road to Al Numan. Northern Qatar, February 28, 2015
Eyelash plant (Blepharis ciliaris) on roadside at the entrance of Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, March 20, 2015
Eyelash plant (Blepharis ciliaris) with flowers on roadside at the entrance of Al Nuaman (Al Numan) near Zubara. Northern Qatar, March 20, 2015
Dry eyelash plant (Blepharis ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) in Jaow Al Hamar depression south from Trainah. Southern Qatar, November 6, 2015
Eyelash plant (Blepharis ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) with a flower in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, November 7, 2015
Blooming eyelash plant (Blepharis ciliaris, local names nejayae, shouk al dab) in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, November 7, 2015
Seedling of eyelash plant (Blepharis ciliaris) in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, November 7, 2015Observations of Blepharis ciliaris in Qatar reveal that it can be found in various locations, including sandy areas near Trainah, roadsides from Dukhan to Al Jumayliyah, and oases like Film City in Ras Abrouq peninsula. The plant produces blue, lilac, and white veined flowers, often in winter and early spring. It has been spotted in northern Qatar near Zubara, Al Nuaman, and Al Magdah farms, as well as in southern Qatar near Jaow Al Hamar depression. The plant's growth forms vary, with some observations showing dry plants, while others display blooming flowers or winter rosettes of leaves. Seedlings have also been found in depressions on roadside areas, indicating the plant's ability to propagate and grow in different environments. The plant's local names, nejayae and shouk al dab, are also noted in various observations.
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.