Tetraena simplex

Tetraena simplex
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Zygophyllales
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Genus: Tetraena
Species:
T. simplex
Binomial name
Tetraena simplex
(L.) Beier & Thulin
Synonyms[1]
  • Zygophyllum simplex L.
  • Zygophyllum simplex var. herniarioides Chiov
  • Zygophyllum portulacoides Forssk
  • Fabago portulacifolius Medik

Tetraena simplex, commonly known as hureim or simple-leaved bean caper, is a halophytic flowering plant that is distributed in arid regions of the Western Asia and Africa. It is an annual and has a history of being used in Arabic folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory.[2]

Description

Tetraena simplex is a highly branched succulent plant that stands from 8 to 20 cm tall. It has fleshy, simple leaves that are oblong-cylindric in shape. It flowers from August to May and presents with yellow petals.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Tetraena simplex is distributed throughout West Asia and Africa. It can be found as far east as India.[3] The most common habitats are shrub-steppes and deserts and it grows best in salty conditions.[4] In Qatar, it is known locally as daa or hureim (also spelled harm) and is a frequent sight on rocky desert plains.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  2. ^ Hossam Abdallah; Ahmed M. Esmat (2017). "Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the major phenolics from Zygophyllum simplex L.". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 205: 51–56. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.04.022. PMID 28465252. S2CID 4305115.
  3. ^ a b "Zygophyllum simplex". Flora of Pakistan. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  4. ^ "Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin". Flora of Israel Online. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  5. ^ "Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin". Flora of Qatar. Retrieved 14 June 2019.