Overview:
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni is a plant that belongs to the family of Zygophyllaceae. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically to Turkey and the Balkans. It's commonly known as puncturevine or caltrop plant.
General Appearance:
The puncturevine plant is a low-growing, spreading herb that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It has a prostrate stem that forms roots where it touches the soil, making it an effective ground cover. Its bright green leaves are opposite and pinnately compound with four to eight leaflets that are lance-shaped and have a hairy texture. The plant is covered in sharp spines that can be up to 5 cm long. Its flowers are yellow with five petals and a diameter of about 2 cm. The fruit of the plant is a burr that splits into five segments and contains four to six seeds within each segment.
Uses:
The puncturevine plant has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. Its fruits, leaves, and roots have been used to treat various ailments such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and as an herbal aphrodisiac. The plant is also used to improve athletic performance and to treat infertility in men. In addition, the plant is used as a natural insecticide due to its spines.
However, the plant is considered a weed in many areas outside its natural habitat. Its sharp spines can cause injury to livestock and people who come into contact with it. The plant has also proven to be invasive in some areas, competing with native species for resources and disrupting ecosystems.
Growth Conditions for Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni
Light: Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may not grow as well or flower as profusely. It is an ideal plant for gardens that receive plenty of sun.
Temperature: Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni thrives in hot, dry conditions. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 and can tolerate temperatures between 15-40°C. It is important to note that it may not tolerate frost well, so it is best to protect it during colder months.
Soil: Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal, but it can also grow in poor soils with low fertility. The plant is also tolerant of salt, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. It is important to note that the plant may not thrive in heavy clay soils.
Water: Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with minimal watering. It is important to establish the plant in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.
Fertilizer: Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni does not require regular fertilization. If the plant is grown in poor soil, it may benefit from an application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring. However, over-fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni is a warm-season annual that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires full sun exposure to grow and should be planted in well-draining soil. The plant cannot tolerate excessive moisture, and the soil should be kept moderately dry between waterings.
Watering Needs
Water is an essential component for the growth of Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni, but overwatering will cause root rot or fungal infections. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Avoid watering during the rainy season or in winter as the plant is susceptible to rotting when temperatures drop.
Fertilization
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni requires minimal fertilization. A balanced fertilizer which contains equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Overfertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni. However, if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, it can be trimmed back after its blooming period. Trim no more than one-third of the plant at a time and wait until new growth has emerged before pruning again.
Propagation of Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni can be propagated through vegetative propagation and seed propagation methods.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done through stem cuttings. In this method, stem cuttings of 10-15 cm length containing at least three nodes are collected from the healthy mother plant. The cuttings are then dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in sand or a mixture of sand and perlite in a rooting tray. The tray is placed in a shaded area and misted periodically to maintain high humidity. The cuttings root within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to individual pots after 4-6 weeks.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagation for Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni. Seeds can be sown directly in a nursery bed or in pots filled with well-draining soil. The optimum time for sowing the seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds are spread uniformly over the surface of the soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Water is then sprayed gently to maintain moisture. The seeds germinate within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or to the field after 4-6 weeks.
Both the vegetative propagation and seed propagation methods can be used to propagate Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni. However, seed propagation is the most commonly used method as it is more economical and has a higher success rate.
Disease and Pest Management for Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni is a plant species that is susceptible to different diseases and pests. The following are the common diseases that can affect this plant:
Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spot: The disease causes small, dark brown spots with yellow halos on the leaves, which might become bigger and merge as the disease progresses. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and using copper-based fungicides.
Fungal Leaf Spot: The disease causes small circular spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots might enlarge and form concentric rings. The spots might also have a yellow halo around them. To manage the disease, remove and dispose of the infected leaves, and use fungicides containing azoxystrobin or mancozeb.
Root Rots: Root rots are caused by different pathogens, including Fusarium and Phytophthora species. The disease causes wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage the disease, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and use fungicides such as mefenoxam and metalaxyl.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that might infest the leaves of Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni. They feed on the plant sap, which might cause curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap sprays, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
Mites: Mites are also small arthropods that feed on the plant sap. They might cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage mites, use insecticidal soap sprays, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They might feed on the leaves of Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni, causing defoliation and plant stunting. To manage caterpillars, handpick them or use Bacillus thuringiensis toxin-based insecticides.
By paying attention to the signs and symptoms of diseases and pests, and implementing different management practices as needed, Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni can be kept healthy and productive.
