Lycium shawii in Qatar

Lycium shawii

Introduction:

Lycium shawii, commonly known as the thorny boxthorn, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is widely distributed across the arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, including Qatar. The plant has several ecological and economic importance, as it is used for traditional medicine, food, and livestock feed. However, the natural habitats of L. shawii are threatened by various anthropogenic and natural factors, leading to a decline in its populations. In this article, we will discuss the distribution and conservation status of L. shawii in Qatar.

Taxonomy:

Lycium shawii in Qatar is classified as follows:

Kingdom: Plantae 

Division: Magnoliophyta 

Class: Magnoliopsida 

Order: Solanales 

Family: Solanaceae 

Genus: Lycium 

Species: Lycium shawii

Lycium shawii in Qatar is commonly found in dry wadis, sand dunes, and rocky slopes. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, low humidity, and salty soils.

Distribution:

Lycium shawii is widely distributed across the arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, including Qatar. In Qatar, the plant is commonly found in many places like the central and southern parts of the country, including the Al Khor, Al Wakrah, and Al Rayyan municipalities. L. shawii prefers sandy or rocky soils and is commonly found in desert wadis, hillsides, and rocky outcrops. The plant has also been reported in other Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

Lycium shawii, also known as the Desert Thorn, is a shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family. In Qatar, it is a native species and can be found in arid and desert regions. Here are some of the morphological characteristics of Lycium shawiiin Qatar:

1.     Habit: Lycium shawii is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall.

2.     Leaves: The leaves of Lycium shawii in Qatar are small and alternate, with a length of 0.5 to 2 cm. They are linear to lanceolate in shape, with a pointed tip and a smooth margin.

3.     Flowers: The flowers of Lycium shawii are small and tubular, with a length of about 1 cm. They are arranged in clusters, and can be pink, purple, or white in color.

4.     Fruits: The fruits of Lycium shawii in Qatar are small, round berries, about 1 cm in diameter. They are initially green and turn red as they mature.

5.     Spines: Lycium shawii in Qatar has spines on its stems, which can grow up to 1 cm in length.

Conservation status:

The conservation status of Lycium shawii in Qatar is classified as "Native very common" according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The plant's populations are declining due to various anthropogenic and natural factors, including habitat loss, overgrazing, and climate change. The natural habitats of L. shawii are being destroyed due to urbanization, road construction, and agricultural expansion, leading to fragmentation and loss of suitable habitats. Overgrazing by livestock is also a significant threat to the plant, as it can lead to the removal of vegetation cover and soil erosion. Climate change is also affecting the plant's distribution and abundance, as it is altering the temperature and precipitation regimes of the region.

Conservation measures:

Several conservation measures have been proposed to conserve the populations of Lycium shawii in Qatar. One of the essential conservation measures is the protection of the plant's natural habitats. This can be achieved through the establishment of protected areas and the enforcement of regulations to limit habitat destruction and degradation. The restoration of degraded habitats can also help to increase the plant's populations and promote its natural regeneration. Livestock grazing can be controlled through the implementation of rotational grazing systems and the establishment of grazing reserves. Climate change mitigation measures, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, can also help to reduce the impacts of climate change on the plant.

Conservation in Qatar Gene Bank:

Lycium shawii seeds have been conserved in the Qatar gene bank since 2012, along with herbarium and DNA materials with many accessions from different locations. This indicates that efforts have been made to preserve the genetic diversity of this important plant species for almost a decade now.

By conserving L. shawii seeds in a gene bank, the genetic diversity of this plant species can be maintained and used for future research and conservation purposes. Furthermore, the herbarium specimens and DNA materials with many accessions can provide valuable information about the plant's morphology and genetics, which can be used for taxonomic studies and population genetic analyses.

Conserving L. shawii seeds in a gene bank requires the implementation of specific protocols to ensure the quality and viability of the seeds during storage. The gene bank should provide optimal conditions for seed storage, including low temperature and low humidity, to prevent seed deterioration and loss of viability.

Overall, the conservation of Lycium shawii seeds in the Qatar gene bank since 2012, including herbarium and DNA materials with many accessions, is an important achievement towards the preservation of the plant species. The gene bank provides a means to conserve and manage the genetic diversity of L. shawii and ensures that the plant species will be available for future generations

Uses:

Lycium shawii has several traditional uses in Qatar, including medicinal, food, and livestock feed. The plant is an essential part of the region's cultural heritage and has been used by local communities for centuries. However, the natural habitats of L. shawii are threatened, leading to a decline in its populations. Conservation measures are necessary to ensure the sustainable use and management of this important plant species.

Medicinal uses:

Lycium shawii has several medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat various ailments, including fever, cough, cold, and respiratory infections. The plant's fruits and leaves are used to prepare decoctions, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune-boosting properties. The plant is also used to treat skin diseases, including eczema and psoriasis, and as a general tonic to improve overall health and well-being.

Food uses:

Lycium shawii is also used as a food source in Qatar. The plant's fruits, known as "qatari berries," are edible and have a sweet and sour taste. The fruits are eaten fresh or dried and are used in various traditional dishes, including stews, soups, and salads. The fruits are also used to prepare traditional beverages, including tea and juice.

Livestock feed:

Lycium shawii is also used as a wildlife livestock feed in Qatar. The plant is rich in nutrients and minerals and is a valuable source of food for camels, goats, and sheep by grazing. The plant's leaves and branches are used as fodder, particularly during the dry season when other sources of feed are scarce.

Overall, the use of Lycium shawii for feeding wild birds and bees is an important aspect of maintaining healthy and diverse ecosystems in Qatar. The plant's value as a food source and its cultural and medicinal significance further highlight the importance of conserving this valuable plant species for future generations.

Lycium shawii is known to be a valuable food source for various wildlife, including wild birds and bees. The plant produces small, red berries that are rich in nutrients, including vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and minerals. The berries are edible and are consumed by various bird species, including the Arabian babbler (Turdoides squamiceps) and the white-spectacled bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos), which are common in Qatar.

In addition to providing food for wild birds, L. shawii also serves as an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. The plant produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers that are attractive to bees and other insects. The nectar produced by the flowers is a valuable source of energy for bees and helps them to carry out their important role as pollinators.

By providing food for wild birds and nectar for bees and other pollinators, L. shawii plays an important ecological role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The plant also has cultural and medicinal significance, as it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and inflammation.

landscaping

Lycium shawii is a valuable plant species for landscaping in Qatar due to its aesthetic appeal, drought-tolerant nature, and low maintenance requirements. Its versatility and adaptability make it a great option for a variety of landscape designs, from rock gardens to xeriscapes. Incorporating L. shawii into landscape designs can not only enhance the visual appeal of outdoor spaces, but also promote sustainability and water conservation.

propagation

Lycium shawii can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering propagation. Here are some details about each method:

1. Seed propagation: L. shawii can be propagated from seeds. The seeds should be collected from ripe berries in the fall or winter and sown in the spring. The seeds should be cleaned, scarified, and soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds can be sown in trays or pots containing well-drained soil, and should be covered lightly with soil. The trays or pots should be placed in a warm and well-lit area, and the soil should be kept moist. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the ground when they are large enough to handle.
2. Cutting propagation: L. shawii can also be propagated from stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer from new growth. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should be taken from the middle of the stem. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings can be inserted into pots containing a mixture of sand and peat moss, or directly into the ground. The pots or the planting area should be kept moist, and the cuttings will root in 3-4 weeks.
3. Layering propagation: L. shawii can also be propagated by layering. This method involves bending a branch down to the ground and burying a section of it in the soil. The buried section should be wounded slightly, and covered with soil. After a few weeks, roots will begin to develop from the buried section. Once roots have developed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.

Conclusion:

Lycium shawii is an important plant species that is widely distributed across the arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, including Qatar. The plant is threatened by various anthropogenic and natural factors, leading to a decline in its populations. The conservation of the plant's natural habitats and the implementation of measures to control habitat destruction, overgrazing, and climate change are essential to ensure the long-term survival of L. shawii populations in Qatar.