Species of plant
Reichardia tingitana is a species of plant in the family Asteraceae that is distributed primarily throughout Mediterranean and West Asia.[2] It is known by the common name false sowthistle.[3]
Description
The leaves have an alternate arrangement and are entire with serrated margins. No stipule is present on the petiole.[3]
An annual plant, its flowering period is from March to May. Like most angiosperms, its flowers are hermaphroditic. The petals are of a yellow color.[3]
Main habitat
As a glycophyte, it is accustomed to growing in saline soils. Arid deserts and shrub-steppes are its most common habitats.[3] It also grows well in sandy depressions in the Middle East.[4]
In France, it is a naturalized species.[1] Another country it has been introduced to is Australia, where it is commonly recognized as a minor weed. There its main habitats are urban sites, coastal dunes and alluvial plains.[2]
It has been recorded in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and eastern Saudi Arabia.[4] Common names for it in Arabia are huzan, mureer, and murar.[5] Uses in folk medicine have been recorded in the Middle East, its leaves being used to treat ailments such as constipation, colic and inflamed eyes.[4]
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Cluster of
R. tingitana flowers in
Qatar
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Lone flower of
R. tingitana in
Cyprus
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