Tetraena simplex

Tetraena simplex, commonly known as hureim or simple-leaved bean caper, is a halophytic flowering plant that is distributed in arid regions of the Western Asia and Africa. It is an annual and has a history of being used in Arabic folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory.[2]

Tetraena simplex
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Zygophyllales
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Genus: Tetraena
Species:
T. simplex
Binomial name
Tetraena simplex
(L.) Beier & Thulin
Synonyms[1]
  • Zygophyllum simplex L. (L.) Beier & Thulin
  • Zygophyllum simplex var. herniarioides Chiov
  • Zygophyllum portulacoides Forssk
  • Fabago portulacifolius Medik

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.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Tetraena simplex is distributed throughout West Asia and Africa. It can be found as far east as India.[3] The most common habitats are shrub-steppes and deserts and it grows best in salty conditions.[4] In Qatar, it is known locally as daa or hureim (also spelled harm) and is a frequent sight on rocky desert plains.[5]

References
  1. "Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  2. Hossam Abdallah & Ahmed M. Esmat (2017). "Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the major phenolics from Zygophyllum simplex L." Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 205. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.04.022. Retrieved 14 June 2019.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  3. "Zygophyllum simplex". Flora of Pakistan. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  4. "Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin". Flora of Israel Online. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  5. "Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin". Flora of Qatar. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
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