Origin
Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik is a plant native to the eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. It is widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, which include puncturevine, caltrop, goat's head, devil's thorn, and bindii. In Egypt, it is known as "karasheer," while in Saudi Arabia, it is called "ashkhar."
Uses
Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik has both medicinal and edible uses. In traditional medicine, its fruits, leaves, and roots are known to have various therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, and antioxidant effects. The plant is also used in the treatment of liver and urinary tract diseases, hypertension, and diabetes. In some cultures, the fruits and leaves are used as an ingredient in traditional dishes, soups, and teas. Moreover, extracts from the plant are used in the cosmetic and perfume industry to add fragrance and aroma to various products.
General Appearance
Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik is a small, herbaceous, and annual plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has a taproot system with numerous branches. The leaves are pinnate and arranged alternately along the stem. They are gray-green in color, covered with silky hair, and have sharp thorns along the margins. The flowers of this plant are yellow and five-petaled, and they bloom from May to September. The fruit is a woody capsule with four to five hard, sharp spines that can puncture skin and footwear, hence the common name puncturevine. The fruit contains four to ten seeds that are kidney-shaped and have a hard outer coat.
Growth Conditions for Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik
Light: Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik requires full sun to grow and thrive. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, which promotes strong stem growth and enhances flower production.
Temperature: This plant is a hardy perennial that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is drought-resistant and can withstand high temperatures of up to 50 °C. However, it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and is not suitable for growing in areas with prolonged periods of frost.
Soil: The ideal soil for Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik is well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is also tolerant of alkaline soils but cannot grow in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils. It benefits from the addition of organic matter to the soil, which helps to improve its water-holding capacity and nutrient content.
Water: This plant is drought-resistant and can tolerate low water availability. However, it performs best when the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the growing conditions and the stage of the plant's growth. Established plants require less water than newly planted ones.
Fertilizer: Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik does not require heavy fertilization and can grow well in nutrient-poor soils. However, it can benefit from occasional applications of balanced fertilizers during the growing season to promote growth and flowering. Excessive application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Cultivation methods for Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik
Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik is a flowering plant that belongs to Zygophyllaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can also be found in other parts of the world. Growing this plant requires specific cultivation methods. Here are some tips on how to cultivate Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik:
- Choose a well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline.
- The plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
- When planting, ensure that the seedlings are spaced 20-30cm apart.
- Water the plant frequently, especially during hot weather. The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.
- It is easy to grow this plant from seeds or cuttings.
- Regularly check the plant for diseases and pests, especially spider mites.
Watering needs for Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik
Watering is essential for the growth and survival of Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik. The plant requires a consistently moist soil, but it should not be watered excessively. Here is how you can water this plant:
- Water the plant frequently, especially during the hot months of the year.
- Ensure that the soil is moist, but not soggy.
- Check the soil moisture regularly. The best way to do this is by sticking your finger about 2 cm into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water.
- Minimize watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
- Water the plant in the morning or evening to avoid water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization for Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik
Fertilization is necessary for the optimal growth and health of Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik. Here are some tips on how to fertilize this plant:
- Use a balanced fertilizer that is slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen.
- Fertilize the plant during the growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer months.
- Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label.
- Water the plant after fertilization to ensure that the nutrients reach the roots.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil.
Pruning Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik
Pruning is necessary to keep Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik in good shape and to prevent it from becoming too leggy. Here are some tips on how to prune this plant:
- Prune the plant in the spring before it starts to grow new leaves.
- Use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant.
- Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
- Trim back any branches that are growing out of control or are too long.
- Leave some new growth on each branch so that the plant can continue to grow and produce flowers.
Propagation of Tribulus Alatus Delile var. Odontopteris Kralik
Tribulus Alatus Delile var. Odontopteris Kralik, commonly known as Al-Harran plant, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. It is mostly propagated through seeds, although vegetative propagation methods can also work well.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Tribulus Alatus Delile var. Odontopteris Kralik is through seeds. The seeds are easy to collect and store, making propagation a straightforward process. The seeds should be collected when the fruit is mature and dry. After collection, the seeds should be soaked in water for a day or two to break the seed coat dormancy.
Soaking the seeds in water will help to speed up the germination process. After soaking, the seeds should be sown in trays filled with a mix of soil and sand. The soil needs to be well-drained to prevent excess moisture from causing damping-off fungus. The trays should be kept in a greenhouse or under shade until the seedlings are large enough to be transplanted in individual pots.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can also be done using stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and well-developed plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be 10-15 centimeters long and should be taken from the middle or upper part of the stem.
After taking the cuttings, the basal leaves should be removed, leaving only two to three leaves at the top. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a pot filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. The pots should be kept under a misting system or in a humid environment until roots have developed.
Once roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted to individual pots. It would be best if you kept these pots in a shaded area and protect from direct sunlight until they get established.
Conclusion
Tribulus Alatus Delile var. Odontopteris Kralik is a useful herb with many benefits that can be propagated using seeds or vegetative cuttings. The propagation method used will depend on the grower's needs and the plant's growing conditions. Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method for propagating this plant.
Disease Management
Common diseases that could affect Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik plants include:
- Anthracnose
- Mildew
- Blight
To manage these diseases, farmers can:
- Remove infected leaves and flowers to prevent further spread of diseases
- Apply fungicides to protect plants from mildew and anthracnose
- Plant resistant cultivars that are not susceptible to the mentioned diseases
Pest Management
Common pests that could affect Tribulus alatus Delile var. odontopteris Kralik plants include:
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
To manage these pests, farmers should:
- Prune and remove damaged leaves
- Utilize natural pest prevention methods. This includes the use of beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises, as well as companion planting to repel common pests
- Apply pesticides as needed, focusing on using organic options to avoid harmful chemicals leaching into the environment
