The camel loves Zygophylum qatarense because of 2 main reasons; rich source of water and a treasure of salts.
Dr. Raziq Kakar
Ethnoecological knowledge about Zygophyllum qatarense
Zygophyllum qatarense is a salt-tolerant plant, found in the Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman. In adaptation to retaining water in its saline environment, it has small compact leaves that are rather fleshy and succulent (bulbs). The leaf has two leaflets and the flowers have four or five delicate petals. (picture). It grows in arid conditions and is both drought and salt tolerant (Xerophyte as well as halophyte). In the Persian Gulf area, the summer is very hot, any ground moisture present evaporates and the soil becomes increasingly salty. Under these conditions, the leaves dry up and fall off the plant, and it can survive in a leafless state for several years. When significant rain falls in winter, the soil becomes less salty and the plant is stimulated into new growth. The seeds only germinate in rainy conditions as the coat of the seed is very hard. https://arkbiodiv.com/2021/11/12/how-zygophyllum-qatarense-support-wildlife-and-livestock-in-the-desert/amp/
Pharmacological Action and Toxicity
Aqueous extract of the plant is documented to produce a lowering of blood pressure and acts as a diuretic and antipyretic, local anesthetic, with anti-histamine activity, stimulation, and depression of isolated amphibian heart, relaxation of the isolated intestine, contraction of the uterus, and vasodilation. The extract antagonized acetylcholine action on skeletal muscle and acted additively to the muscle relaxant effect of d-tubocurarine. The juice from fresh leaves and stems is known to be used as an abrasive cleanser and as a remedy for the treatment of certain skin diseases.
For further details
- Zygophyllum qatarense is a salt-tolerant plant of the Arabian Peninsula
- http://specieswild.blogspot.ae/2015/03/zygophyllum-coccineum-guide-to.html
- https://arkbiodiv.com/2021/11/12/how-zygophyllum-qatarense-support-wildlife-and-livestock-in-the-desert/
- https://arkbiodiv.com/2021/11/14/leaves-and-twigs-of-zygophyllum-qatarense/
- https://youtu.be/Izc8O6tdj5A
Reblogged this on Animal Genetic Resources, the Camel, Food Security and the Climate Change and commented:
The plants of the desert have tremendous potential to survive in ultra arid conditions. See how this plant conserves water for the desert animals like the camel.
Pingback: The Beautiful Plants of Beautiful White Desert – The Role of Traditional Animal Genetic Resources for Food Security Under Climate Change Influence
Pingback: How Zygophyllum qatarense Support Wildlife and Livestock in the Desert? – SUSTAINABLE FARMING FOR FOOD AND HEALTH
Pingback: The Beautiful Plants (Zygophyllum) of Beautiful White Desert – SUSTAINABLE FARMING FOR FOOD AND HEALTH
Pingback: Desert ecology, floral survival, and camel grazing – Impacts and the future hopes – SUSTAINABLE FARMING FOR FOOD AND HEALTH
Pingback: A mysterious disease is killing hundreds of Zygophyllum flora in the desert - ARKBIODIV.COM