Ecophysiological Characteristics, Distribution, and Nutritional Value of Desert Range Plants in Qatar

Abstract

Despite the scarcity of water, desert ranges of Qatar can support a characteristic diversity of species and an all-year-round supply of feed. A correlation between carbon dioxide fixation mechanism, distribution of species, and physiognomy of the landscape was observed. Winter and summer annual forbs of the Asteraceae and Fabaceae have variable average contents of water, dry matter, and nutrients. Succulent shrubs of the Chenopodiaceae inhabit littoral salt marshes and have high average water and ash contents. Grasses of the Poaceae are widely distributed in salt meadows, depressions, and cultivated land. They have high contents of crude fibre, and are an important source of energy for the diet of range animals.