Cometes Surattensis L.
This is a small annual herb, rarely more than 10 cms. tall with strong but tiny woody stems branching laterally just above ground level for a few centimetres from a central taproot.
There is often a collar around the root at ground level from the parent seed. Leaves are dark green, up to 2 cm. long, I cm. broad and shaped like a miniature spearhead on short stalks.
The flower stalks are also very short, each bearing three tiny white flowers. The fruit capsule does not open when ripe but is covered with stiff hairs gradually turning from white to amber. When in full fruit the plant resembles a small circular or oval pincushion.
The species is particularly prevalent on the lower slopes of Jebel Hafit and in the foothills of the Hatta region. It has also been recorded in the hills between Khatt and Dibba, and occasionally overlooking the east coast. Flowering time is variable between mid-February and late May.
