''Tetraena simplex'', commonly known as hureim or simple-leaved bean caper, is a
halophytic
A halophyte is a salt-tolerant plant that grows in soil or waters of high salinity, coming into contact with saline water through its roots or by salt spray, such as in saline semi-deserts, mangrove swamps, marshes and sloughs and seashores. ...
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
Annual may refer to:
*Annual publication, periodical publications appearing regularly once per year
** Yearbook
** Literary annual
*Annual plant
*Annual report
*Annual giving
*Annual, Morocco, a settlement in northeastern Morocco
*Annuals (band), ...
and has a history of being used in
Arabic folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory.
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.
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