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Artemisia judaica L.

البعيثران
Judean wormwood
Asteraceae
  • Morphological Description
    • Description
      Perennial aromatic shrublet, up to 60 cm, with much-branched woody base. Stems and leaves densely covered with silvery-white hairs. Leaves alternate, 2–3 pinnatisect, segments filiform. Inflorescence a dense panicle of small globose capitula; florets yellowish, all tubular forming hemispherical head. Plant strongly aromatic. Achenes small, oblong, without pappus.
  • Habitat and Distribution
    • Geographical Distribution Range
      This Saharo-Arabian species is found across the Sahara, including Algeria, Libya, Chad, Egypt, and the Sinai Peninsula. Within the Arabian Peninsula, it is restricted to Saudi Arabia.
  • Ecology
    • Phenology
      Jan
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      Flowering
      Fructification
    • IUCN Red List Category
      Not Evaluated IUCN Icon
      Not Evaluated
    • Remarks
      This species includes three accepted varieties, but only one present in Saudi Arabia: Artemisia judaica subsp. judaica L.
  • Uses and Values
    • Aromatic and Medicinal Use
      Aromatic usages; Medicinal use
    • Description of Traditional Uses
      This Mediterranean aromatic herb is widely used in traditional systems to treat gastrointestinal ailments (such as stomach aches and digestive issues), skin diseases (including external wounding), and is used for cold congestion (often via inhalation). It is also traditionally applied for conditions like heart disease, sexual weakness, and diabetes.
Gallery
Artemisia judaica flowers
Artemisia judaica leaves
Whole plant
Artemisia judaica in its immediate surroundings