31 July 2020

Huwwa – Dhahran Hills

Whilst walking in an area of Jebals in Dhahran I came across some Huwwa Launaea procumbens, which is a frequent perennial, found on sand, silt or rock in the area. It grows up to 30 cm tall. The species name procumbens (meaning “lying on the ground”) is a bit of a misnomer as this species is inconsistent in its habit. It can be upright, semi-trailing or prostrate with most in Dhahran being upright. The plant has tall almost leafless stems each topped by several lemon yellow flowers. Their blooming period is long, from winter until April or May. Typically, leaves cluster in a rosette at the base of the plant.