How quickly can ephemeral plants grow and reproduce after rain in the Sahara Desert?

In the Sahara Desert, many herbaceous plants are classified as ephemerals. These plants have evolved to survive long, dry periods as dormant seeds, activating only when sufficient moisture is available.12

Following adequate rainfall, these plants exhibit a remarkably rapid life cycle:

• Germination: Many species can germinate within three days of a heavy rain.3
• Reproduction: The entire life cycle, from germination to the dispersal of new seeds, typically occurs within a two- to three-week period. Some specific observations indicate that these plants may sow their seeds within 10 to 15 days of germination.43

This rapid growth allows them to complete their reproduction before the soil moisture is depleted, effectively allowing the desert to bloom following infrequent storms.2