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Plant that typically grows in salt marshes and in areas with dry, rocky, sandy or muddy soil
Scientific Name: Cynomorium coccineum
Common Name: Red Thumb
Dimensions: The inflorescence measures 15 to 30 cm
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0378.2
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The red thumb is a parasitic perennial geophyte characterized by its underground rhizome. It features a dark red inflorescence with a sturdy reddish stem, topped by a cluster of small reddish flowers. These flowers can be male, female, or hermaphrodite in nature.
Habitat and Biology
The red thumb grows in various soil types like dry, rocky, sandy, or muddy, often found in salt marshes. It forms a connection with host plants, typically from the amaranthaceae and tamaricaceae families, possibly even other species. In Qatar, the prevalent host is the caper bean. Red thumb blooms following winter rains, typically in March, relying on fly pollination. Its small seeds are dispersed by the wind.
ECO System Qatar
Mangroves are saltwater-adapted trees and shrubs growing in coastal areas' intertidal zones. Their intricate root systems offer natural fish habitats, serve as marine species nurseries, and protect coastlines from erosion by waves and storms. Qatar hosts the Avicennia Marina species, commonly called grey or white mangroves, mainly on the east coast. The most significant mangrove forests are at Al Thakira and Al Khor, boasting the oldest and largest mangroves. Despite ongoing reforestation efforts by the government, development led to the uprooting of the mangrove lake in Al Wakra.
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 [Unpublished manuscript]. Richer, R., Knees, S., Norton, J., & Sergeev, A. (2022). Hidden Beauty: An Exploration of Qatar’s Native and Naturalised Flora. Hardcover. April 30, 2022.