Zygophyllum qatarense

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tetraena qatarensis
• Zygophyllum hamiense var. qatarense
• Tetraena hamiensis var. qatarensis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Zygophyllales and the family Zygophyllaceae. It is ultimately identified by the genus Zygophyllum, specifically as the species Zygophyllum qatarense.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range spanning parts of Northeast Tropical Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In Northeast Tropical Africa, its distribution is limited to the island of Socotra. Moving into the Arabian Peninsula, it is found across several key regions, including the Gulf States. Its presence is further documented within the territories of Kuwait and Oman. Additionally, the species can be located throughout Saudi Arabia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Zygophyllum qatarense is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, the plant undergoes a recurring developmental cycle that enables it to survive periods of environmental stress, common in its native habitats, by maintaining established root systems and structural integrity. This long-term lifecycle supports its ability to regrow and reproduce periodically, rather than completing its entire biological process within a single season. Through this perennial habit, the plant manages its energy reserves to ensure survival through varying climatic conditions, facilitating sustained presence within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Zygophyllum qatarense is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a robust and perennial structure. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, relying instead on its own physiological processes for nutrient acquisition. While its structural development is primarily defined by its shrubby habit, it possesses the capacity to function as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its growth patterns to navigate its environment without requiring external host support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Zygophyllum qatarense is characterized by a flexible flowering phenology that adapts to environmental conditions. The flowering period for this species is notably variable, as the onset and duration of blooms can shift depending on seasonal cues. Specifically, the flowering process can begin as early as March, though the commencement is categorized within a broad, variable range that encompasses all months of the year. The reproductive cycle typically reaches its conclusion around April, but like the start date, the flowering end is highly variable and can occur at different times throughout the annual cycle.

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Apr

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Zygophyllum qatarense has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include phenol.

phenol

1. Saudi journal of biological sciences