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Neurada (Neurada procumbens)
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Find out here.Neurada fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Neurada description
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Neuradaceae |
| Genus | Neurada (1) |
A distinctive low-lying annual herb that is adapted to dry, sandy environments, Neurada procumbens has branching stems that lie flat on the ground and dense hairs that give it a woolly appearance. Its blue-green leaves are oval in shape and are borne on woody stems that radiate from the base of the plant (2) (3), and the inconspicuous, small flowers have cream, greenish or pinkish petals (2). The disc-shaped fruit is smooth on the underside but has spines on the upper surface that become sharp when dry (2) (4), and the fruit turns hard and woody at maturity (2).
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Related species
Neurada biology
Adapted to arid, sandy environments, Neurada procumbens exhibits an interesting method of reproduction characterised by rapid germination followed by quick development and flowering (6). The dry fruits lie on the surface of the sand and when trodden on, the spines attach the fruit to the feet of animals, or even the tyres of vehicles, and thus get carried for considerable distances before they fall loose. When rain falls, only one of the several seeds in the fruit germinates, and this then rapidly sends a fine tap-root down into the moist sand. If there is a dry period during this event, the tap-root withers and the seedling perishes, but after subsequent showers, further seeds germinate until at last one of them grows successfully. This unusual strategy of development allows Neurada procumbens to germinate on the earliest showers, thus enabling it to benefit from a long growing period (4).
TopNeurada range
A wide-ranging plant, Neurada procumbens occurs from North Africa and the Mediterranean region, across the Middle East to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and north-western India (5).
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Species with a similar range
Neurada habitat
Neurada procumbens is found in dry regions and is particularly common on sand dunes (5).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Neurada status
Neurada procumbens has not yet been assessed by the IUCN.
TopNeurada threats
Although the threats to Neurada procumbens are not yet fully assessed, it is known to be well grazed by livestock, such as camel and sheep, and that its leaves and fruits are harvested for use in traditional medicines (2) (5).
TopNeurada conservation
Neurada procumbens has not been the target of any known conservation measures.
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Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi is a principal sponsor of ARKive. EAD is working to protect and conserve the environment as well as promoting sustainable development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. |
Find out more
For more information on the conservation of plants, see:
-
Botanic Gardens Conservation International:
http://www.bgci.org/
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Glossary
- Annual
- Lives or grows for just one year
- Germination
- The beginning of growth, usually following a period of dormancy and in response to favourable conditions. For example, the sprouting of a seedling from a seed.
References
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GBIF (October, 2009)
http://www.gbif.org/ -
King Saud University- Neurada procumbens (January, 2011)
http://faculty.ksu.edu.sa/assaeed/Pages/Neurada_procumbens.aspx - Turki, Z.A. (2007) Neuradaceae J.G. Agardh in Egypt. Flora Mediterranea, 17: 137-142.
- Vesey-Fitzgerald, D.F. (1957) The vegetation of central and eastern Arabia. Journal of Ecology, 45: 779-798.
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Flora of Pakistan - Neurada procumbens (January, 2011)
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=5&taxon_id=220009223 - Vincent, P. (2008) Saudi Arabia: An Environmental Overview. Taylor and Francis, Netherlands.
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This species is featured in:
This species is featured in Jewels of the UAE, which showcases biodiversity found in the United Arab Emirates in association with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
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Image credit
Neurada procumbens
© Dr. Ori Fragman-Sapir / botanic.co.il
Dr. Ori Fragman-Sapir
Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
http://www.treknature.com/members/fragman/photos/
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