Desert Indianwheat (Plantago ovata or may be boissieri) in Uwaynat Bin Husayn near Simaisma. Qatar, February 28, 2015Plantago albicans, Plantago argentea, Plantago declinata, Plantago decumbens, Plantago ispaghula, Plantago lanata, Plantago microcephala, Plantago monspeliensis, Plantago trichophylla, Plantago villosa
Desert Indianwheat, Lesan al hamal, rubla
Plantago ovata (Desert Indianwheat, Blond Psyllium; syn. Plantago brunnea Morris, Plantago fastigiata Morris, Plantago gooddingii A. Nels. & Kennedy, Plantago insularis Eastw., Plantago insularis Eastw. var. fastigiata (Morris) Jepson, Plantago insularis Eastw. var. scariosa (Morris) Jepson, Plantago minima A. Cunningham) is a medicinal plant native to Western Asia and Southern Asia. According to Calflora plantago ovate is native to California.[+]
Plantago ovata, also known as desert Indianwheat or psyllium, is an annual herb native to India and Pakistan. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and is commonly found in sandy areas, roadsides, and waste grounds. Research in Qatar has shown that P. ovata grows abundantly in the country's arid environment, often as a weed in cultivated fields and urban areas. Its seeds have been found to be a good source of dietary fiber, and the plant has been traditionally used in Qatari folk medicine for its laxative and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have also highlighted the potential of P. ovata as a natural remedy for various health issues, including constipation, diabetes, and hypertension, making it a valuable plant species in Qatar's flora.
Desert Indianwheat (Plantago ovata or may be boissieri) in Uwaynat Bin Husayn near Simaisma. Qatar, February 28, 2015
Small plant of plantain (Plantago ovata(?)) in a depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, November 7, 2015
Flowers of desert indianwheat (Plantago ovata) on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 29, 2016
Desert indianwheat (Plantago ovata) on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 29, 2016
Plant of desert indianwheat (Plantago ovata) on rocky ridge of Jebel Fuwairit. Northern Qatar, January 29, 2016
Woolly plantain (Plantago ovata) in area of Jabal Al Jassasiya, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, January 29, 2016
Woolly plantain (Plantago ovata) in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Blooming woolly plantain (Plantago ovata) in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Woolly plantain (Plantago ovata) with flowers in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Masses of woolly plantain (Plantago ovata) with flowers in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Field of woolly plantain (Plantago ovata) with flowers in a large roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, February 6, 2016
Desert indianwheat (Plantago ovata) on rocky soil in a silty depression on roadside of a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
Desert indianwheat (Plantago ovata) in a silty depression near a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016
Desert indianwheat (Plantago ovata) with seeds in a silty depression near a road to Zubara, area of Al Magdah farms. Northern Qatar, February 27, 2016Observations of Plantago ovata in Qatar were made at various locations, including Uwaynat Bin Husayn, Al Magdah farms, Jebel Fuwairit, Jabal Al Jassasiya, and near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. The plant was found growing in a range of habitats, including rocky ridges, depressions, and roadside areas. It was observed in different stages of growth, from small plants to blooming individuals with flowers and seeds. In some areas, such as near Route 77, large masses of the plant were found, forming fields of blooming woolly plantain. The observations were made between February 2015 and February 2016, suggesting that the plant is present in Qatar during the winter months. The plant's ability to grow in rocky and silty soils was also noted.
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.