Sahaa - Thorn of the Lizard - Infusion - Blepharis ciliaris

Blepharis ciliaris is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Acanthaceae family, a desert plant adapted to drought and heat, characterized by its spiny-edged leaves and parts and its purple to blue flowers.



General Description



It grows as a small, branching herbaceous shrub, usually reaching a height of about 20–60 cm. Its stems are upright or slightly elongated, and may branch out from the base to form a relatively dense plant mass.



Papers



Its leaves are simple, green to grayish-green, ovate or lanceolate, with distinct thorns or spiny hairs along their edges. Some leaves are relatively tough, which helps the plant withstand drought and grazing.



flowers



It produces tubular to funnel-shaped flowers, blue or violet to purple in color, clustered in terminal or lateral inflorescences. The flowers are characterized by bracts or spiny structures around them, and appear during the flowering season, attracting insects and pollinators.



Fruits and seeds



It produces small, capsule-like fruits containing few seeds, and some fruit structures have a mechanism that helps release the seeds upon maturity. The seeds are relatively small and smooth, and remain in the soil until suitable conditions are provided for germination.



Endurance and suitability



It is characterized by its good tolerance to drought and heat, and grows in sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils, as well as open areas. Its branching growth and tough leaves help it withstand desert conditions and grazing.



Uses



It has ecological importance in stabilizing the soil and providing cover and shelter for some wildlife, and its flowers provide a source of nectar for insects and pollinators. It is considered an important wild plant in the desert vegetation cover.



natural spread



Blepharis ciliaris is widespread in large areas of Africa, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia, and grows in desert and semi-desert environments, plains and sandy and gravelly areas.



Preservation status



Blepharis ciliaris is not considered a globally threatened species, and it has a wide natural distribution and good adaptability to arid environments. Its density varies locally depending on climatic conditions and the state of its natural habitat.