Zygophyllum simplex

Zygophyllum simplex, synonym Tetraena simplex,^[1] 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]

Zygophyllum simplex
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Zygophyllales
Family:	Zygophyllaceae
Genus:	Zygophyllum
Species:	Z. simplex
Binomial name
Zygophyllum simplex L.
Synonyms[1]
Fabago portulacifolius (Forssk.) Medik. Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin Zygophyllum dregeanum C.Presl, nom. subnud. Zygophyllum microcarpum E.Mey., nom. nud. Zygophyllum obtusum Vicary Zygophyllum portulacoides Forssk. Zygophyllum simplex var. capense Sond. Zygophyllum simplex var. herniarioides Chiov. Zygophyllum simplex var. namaense Schinz Zygophyllum stellulatum C.Sm., nom. nud.

Description

Zygophyllum 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

Zygophyllum 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]