''Tetraena simplex'', commonly known as hureim or simple-leaved bean caper, is a halophytic

flowering plant Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. The term "angiosperm" is derived from the Greek words ('container, vessel') and ('seed'), and refers to those plants th ...

that is distributed in arid regions of the

Western Asia Western Asia, West Asia, or Southwest Asia, is the westernmost subregion of the larger geographical region of Asia, as defined by some academics, UN bodies and other institutions. It is almost entirely a part of the Middle East, and includes Ana ...

and Africa. It is an annual and has a history of being used in Arabic folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory.

Description

''Tetraena simplex'' is a highly branched

succulent plant In botany, succulent plants, also known as succulents, are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy, and engorged, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. The word ''succulent'' comes from the Latin word ''sucus'', meani ...

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.

Distribution and habitat

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

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q18077476 Zygophylloideae Flora of Qatar Flora of Egypt Flora of Saudi Arabia Flora of Israel Flora of Oman Flora of Iran Flora of the Indian subcontinent Flora of Palestine (region) Flora of Namibia Flora of Western Asia Flora of Africa