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Shrub that grows deep into dry sand
© National Museum of Qatar
Scientific Name: Leptadenia pyrotechnica
Common Name: Burning Bush
Dimensions: Grows up to 2.5 m high, but some mature bushes do not grow taller than 60 cm while the leaves are 2.5 to 6.0 mm long and 2.5 to 3.0 mm wide
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0097
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The burning bush is a tall, leafless shrub or small tree with green fleshy stems. It has narrow leaves that are smooth and pointed, and its branches are upright and thin. The plant produces small clusters of yellow to yellowish-green flowers with five joined petals. The flowers have small purplish-brown pollinia. The plant's slender green pods contain elongated brown seeds with a lengthy hairy tuft.
Habitat and Biology
Burning bush thrives in dry, moderately deep sandy soil and avoids salty environments. It blooms during March and April, attracting insects that visit its flowers.
ECO System Qatar
Sand dune ecosystem: The crescent-shaped sand dunes are considered one of the prominent features of the terrestrial environment of the State of Qatar.In southern Qatar, huge sand dunes rise from the desert plain. These dunes are shaped by the wind and are constantly shifting. In certain conditions, the movement of sand grains creates a low humming sound. The dunes near Mesai’eed are one of the few places on Earth where this phenomenon of ‘singing’ sand dunes can be heard. The plants and animals that survive in the intense heat and unstable sands of the dunes are supremely well adapted to the challenging conditions.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Abdel Bary, Ekhlas M. M. (2012). The Flora of Qatar. 2 volumes (700 pages, 199 pages) : color illustrations, maps ; 28 cm. Doha: Qatar University Environmental Studies Center. OCLC: 875112803. MMS ID: 991000252609706691. English. Volume 1: The Dicotyledons -- Volume 2: The Monocotyledons
UNESCO Office in Doha. (n.d.). An Illustrated Checklist of the Flora of Qatar. Authors: John Norton, Sara Abdul Majid, Debbie Allan, Mohammed Al Safran, Benno Böer, & Renee Richer. [Unpublished manuscript].
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Gallery 2