Tribulus

Description

Tribulus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Zygophyllaceae. It is commonly known as puncturevine, caltrop, and goathead. The plant is native to warm temperate and tropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is an annual or perennial herb with spiny stems and leaves that are arranged oppositely. The flowers are small and yellow with five petals. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits into five segments, each containing one to four seeds with sharp spines that can cause injury to animals and humans. Tribulus species have been used for medicinal and agricultural purposes for centuries.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Tribulus plants can grow up to 60 cm tall and 1.5 m wide. They have hairy or smooth stems that can be green or reddish-brown in color. The leaves are pinnate with 4-8 pairs of leaflets that are oblong in shape and spiny at the tips. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and have five yellow petals with reddish-brown veins. They bloom from June to September. The fruit is a spherical or ovoid capsule that is woody and spiny. The seeds are kidney-shaped, about 4 mm in diameter, and have two sharp spines that can penetrate skin and tires.

Care Guide

Tribulus plants are easy to grow and maintain. Here are some tips to keep them healthy:

• Water: Tribulus plants prefer well-drained soil and moderate watering. Do not overwater them, as it can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: Tribulus plants do not require fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage growth and flowering.
• Soil: Tribulus plants can grow in a variety of soil types, but they prefer sandy or loamy soil that is slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Sunlight: Tribulus plants need full sun exposure to thrive. They can tolerate partial shade, but it may affect their growth and flowering.
• Hardiness Zones: Tribulus plants are hardy in USDA zones 5-11. They can tolerate heat, drought, and poor soil conditions.

Common Pests & Diseases

Tribulus plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be affected by the following:

• Spider mites: They are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and curling. You can spray the plants with insecticidal soap to control them.
• Aphids: They are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing distortion and wilting. You can spray the plants with neem oil to repel them.
• Root rot: It is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing wilting and yellowing. You can prevent it by avoiding overwatering and improving soil drainage.
• Fungal leaf spot: It is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves, which can merge and turn brown. You can prevent it by avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation.

Habitat

Tribulus plants grow in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, scrublands, and disturbed areas. They are adapted to hot and dry climates and can tolerate poor soil and water conditions. Some species are invasive and can spread rapidly, displacing native vegetation and causing economic and ecological damage.

Question and Answer

1. What is Tribulus?

Tribulus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Zygophyllaceae. It is commonly known as puncturevine, caltrop, and goathead.

2. Where is Tribulus native to?

Tribulus is native to warm temperate and tropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

3. How do you care for Tribulus plants?

Tribulus plants need moderate watering, full sun exposure, and well-drained soil. They can tolerate heat, drought, and poor soil conditions.

4. What pests and diseases affect Tribulus plants?

Tribulus plants can be affected by spider mites, aphids, root rot, and fungal leaf spot.

Related Plants

• Zygophyllum
• Guaiacum
• Prosopis
• Ephedra

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribulus
• https://www.gardenia.net/plant/tribulus-terrestris
• https://www.plantsrescue.com/tribulus-terrestris/
• https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/triter/all.html