General Description:
Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey. is commonly known as the two-horned caltrop. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. It grows up to 30-50 centimeters in height and produces dense, spreading branches. The stem is thin and hairy.
Origin:
Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey. is native to Asia and has been introduced to Africa, Europe, and North America. It grows in arid and semi-arid regions and prefers sandy soils.
Common Names:
The plant has several common names, including two-horned caltrop, devil's eyelashes, and goatshead.
Uses:
The fruit of Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey. is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as asthma, cough, and bronchitis. The plant extract is also known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. In addition to medicinal uses, the plant is used as animal feed in some regions.
The sharp, spiny seed heads of the plant make it a nuisance in areas where it is introduced. The seed heads easily penetrate bicycle tires and the soles of shoes, causing inconvenience and damage to vehicles.
In some cultures, the plant is believed to have aphrodisiac properties and is used in traditional rituals as a symbol of fertility and potency.
Overall, Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey. is an intriguing plant with various medicinal and cultural uses, but its sharp seed heads make it a problematic invasive species in some regions.
Light Requirements
Tribulus bicornutus typically grows in full sun but can tolerate some shade. In areas with hotter climates, partial shade can be beneficial to prevent the plant from drying out. In general, the plant requires adequate sunlight to produce lush foliage and vibrant flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Tribulus bicornutus is between 20°C to 35°C. The plant can tolerate extreme heat and drought conditions, making it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. However, it cannot survive frost and freezing temperatures, and planting should be avoided in areas that experience such cold.
Soil Requirements
Tribulus bicornutus prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with neutral to alkaline pH levels. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions and can grow in soils with high salinity. It is also drought-resistant, making it suitable for areas with water scarcity. However, excessive moisture can cause root rot, and planting should be avoided in waterlogged areas.
Cultivation methods
Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey. is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers dry and arid conditions in full sun and can grow in poor, sandy soil.
The plant can be grown from seeds. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring or summer after the frost period has passed. The seeds should be sown shallowly and covered by a thin layer of soil. It is essential to keep the soil moist until the seeds have germinated, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks.
You can also propagate the plant through cuttings or division. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer and planted in well-draining soil. Division is best done in the fall or winter when the plant is dormant.
Watering needs
Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey. is drought-tolerant and prefers well-draining soil. Watering should be done sparingly, but deeply. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is best to let the soil dry out before watering again.
The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions. In arid climates, you may need to water once a week, but in cooler and damper conditions, watering once every two weeks may suffice.
Fertilization
Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey. does not require much fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can damage the plant. To provide a little extra boost, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring or early summer.
If the soil is particularly poor, you can amend it with compost or well-rotted manure. However, be careful not to add too much as this can lead to over-fertilization.
Pruning
Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey. does not require much pruning. However, you can prune it to control its growth and shape. Pruning should be done in the fall after the plant has finished flowering.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage and stems. You can also cut back any excessively long stems by one-third of their length.
Pruning will encourage new growth and a denser flowering habit in the next growing season.
Propagation of Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey.
Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey., commonly known as devil's eyelashes, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae. It is extensively distributed in central Asia and is widely used as a medicinal plant. To propagate this plant, one can use either seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest way to propagate Tribulus bicornutus is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from the dried plant during autumn. The collected seeds should be cleaned and placed in a cool and dry place until spring. After that, in early spring, the seeds should be sowed in a greenhouse or directly in the soil. Before sowing, the soil should be moist. It is important to keep the seeds damp throughout the germination process, and to ensure that the temperature is warm. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 10 days, and after germination, the seedlings should be transplanted into the ground.
Propagation by cuttings
Tribulus bicornutus can also be propagated through cuttings, though this method requires more effort and care than propagating through seeds. The best time to take cuttings is in the late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and be at least 4 inches long. Remove all the leaves except the top two, and dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in potting soil and keep the soil moist and warm. The cuttings should develop roots in about six weeks, and after that, they can be transplanted into the ground.
Overall, Tribulus bicornutus is an easy plant to propagate either through seeds or cuttings, making it accessible to even the most novice of gardeners.
Disease and Pest Management for Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey.
Tribulus bicornutus Fisch. & C.A.Mey., commonly known as puncturevine or caltrop, is a hardy plant that can thrive even in harsh conditions. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to disease and pest infestations. Effective management of these problems is critical in maintaining healthy plants and maximizing yields. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Tribulus bicornutus and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases of Tribulus bicornutus
Fungal Leaf Spots: Tribulus bicornutus can be affected by various fungal leaf spot diseases, which cause small, dark spots on the leaves. These spots can coalesce to form larger areas of dead tissue, which can lead to defoliation in severe cases. To manage this disease, ensure you plant disease-resistant varieties and avoid overhead irrigation. If the disease is already present, remove and destroy all affected plant parts. Also, use fungicides as a preventive measure to protect the plants.
Root Rots: Root rot is a common problem in Tribulus bicornutus, particularly in poorly drained soils. The condition is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the plant roots, leading to wilting, stunted growth, and eventual death. To manage this disease, you should avoid overwatering the plants and plant them in well-draining soils. Use of fungicides can also help prevent the disease.
Common Pests of Tribulus bicornutus
Cutworms: Cutworms are common pests of Tribulus bicornutus and can cause severe damage to young plants. These caterpillars cut through the stem at the soil level, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage this pest, use cutworm collars during transplanting and handpick and destroy any caterpillars that you find on the plants. Also, use insecticides as a preventive measure.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distortion of stems. To manage aphids, you can spray the plants with a jet of water to knock them off or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. Additionally, you can attract their natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to help control their population.
Effective management of pests and diseases is essential in maintaining healthy and productive Tribulus bicornutus plants. Always be vigilant in monitoring your plants for any signs of diseases and pests and take action promptly when necessary.
