Dr Saif Ali Al Hajari, Chairman of the Friends of the Environment Centre and Chairman of the 'A Flower Each Spring' Committee, announcing Khobaiz as flower for 2017, yesterday.
Doha: Under the patronage of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, "A Flower Each Spring" campaign yesterday announced Khobaiz - Malva parviflora - as the flower for next year.
The campaign launched in 1999 has entered its 19th year and aims at creating awareness about the Qatari environment.
The 2017 flower was announced at an event at Ras Matbakh in the Al Khor area in which 400 students from various Independent and international schools participated. The local name of flower selected for the nineteenth edition is “Khobaiz”. It is a herbaceous plant grown annually with a height of 6 to 10 cm. With roots extending up to 20 to 30cm below the soil, its leaves are rounded with serrated edges, covered with rough green shiny layer of hair. Leaves contain anti- inflammatory and anti-oxidants and are eaten cooked.
The plant has a single white bluish flower with five-petals. Flowers blossom in March and it grows in muddy soil in winter. September to October are the best months for planting where weather temperature ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees. It is cultivated by seeds.
Dr Saif Ali Al Hajari, Chairman of the Friends of the Environment Centre and Chairman of the "A Flower Each Spring" Committee said that the programme had received very positive response from various segments of society, especially the youth.
Talking to The Peninsula later, he said that the programme had successfully entered the 19th year. “We are doing our best to respect, observe and promote the values that can help keep our environment safe, healthy and beautiful, and protecting its natural resources for the sake of today’s and future generations,” he added.
He said that the programme will continue until third week of May next year. He said several fairs and exhibitions will be organised in public places in Doha throughout the programme.
Dr Saif said that the programme was educating children about Qatar’s flora. The students attending the launch ceremony of the programme took keen interest in Qatar’s environmental components with the resolution that they will play their role in not only protecting the environment but also in spreading the green message among others.
Under the programme, weekly field-trips will be organised for school students and children accompanied by parents and/or teachers for Malva parviflora to make them acquainted with the plant in its natural habitat.
Activities for communities
Some other activities have also been planned to engage the community, like "Scientific Research for Youth". This contest is open to students in the age group of 12-18 years from government and private schools on the chosen flower while a similar contest will also be held for adults.
There will be a "Literary Competition" on Malva parviflora as well as a "Fine Arts Competition" at two levels— youth and adults. There will be a "School Activity Competition" and "Youth Centres and Clubs" will also be established.
