Origin
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni is a plant species belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae. It is native to North Africa, particularly in the countries of Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as “Al-ghanutah”, “Tribule double aux epines courtes” or “Tribule à double corne” in Arabic language. It is also called the “Double-spined Tribulus” or “Twin-horn Tribulus”.
Uses
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni has various uses in traditional medicine. The plant's leaves and roots are used to treat respiratory problems, urinary tract infections, liver diseases, and fever. Additionally, the plant has antioxidant properties, making it beneficial in preventing cell damage by free radicals. In traditional veterinary medicine, the plant is used as a diuretic and laxative.
General Appearance
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni is a perennial herb that has a prostrate or ascending growth habit. The plant has long and spiny leaves that are green in color. The flowers appear in clusters and are a bright yellow with five petals. The fruits are small and have two sharp spines that curve downwards, protecting the seeds within. The plant prefers dry, rocky, and sandy soils and is typically found in deserts and drylands.
Light Requirements
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni prefers full sunlight, and the plant can tolerate high levels of solar radiation. It has been observed that under shaded conditions, the growth and flowering of the plant are minimal.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in temperatures above 25°C. The minimum temperature required for the plant's growth is 10°C, and anything lower than that can cause damage to the plant. The highest temperature tolerated by the plant is around 40°C.
Soil Requirements
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni prefers well-drained soil types with a moderately high fertility level. The pH of the soil should be slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.2-8.5, and the soil texture should be sandy or loamy. The plant can grow in nutrient-poor soils; however, the overall growth and flowering would be minimal.
Cultivation
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni is an easy plant to grow and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot and arid to slightly cooler climates. It is best grown in well-draining soil, such as sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.9.
This plant is commonly propagated by seed, which can be sown directly into the soil in the spring or fall. The seeds should be planted about 1 cm deep, and spaced 20–30 cm apart. Germination usually occurs within 14 to 21 days. Alternatively, the plant can be propagated by cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Watering
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni requires moderate watering, particularly when it is young. Once established, it can tolerate drought and waterlogging. However, it is essential to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Watering once a week during the growing season is sufficient, while the frequency can be reduced during the winter months.
Fertilization
Too much fertilizer can cause excessive vegetative growth, which can lead to a reduction in flowers. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season, reducing the frequency by half during the winter. A slow-release fertilizer can be used in the spring when planting the seeds or cuttings.
Pruning
It is not necessary to prune Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni. However, removing the faded or dead flowers can stimulate further blooming, and cutting back any overgrown shoots can help to control the growth and shape of the plant.
Propagation of Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni, commonly known as puncturevine, is a plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. The plant is widely distributed in Asia, Africa, and North America. Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni has a unique characteristic of producing spiny seeds. The plant is propagated through different methods, which include the following:
Seeds
Propagation of Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni through seeds is the most common method. The seeds are collected from the mature fruits and dried in the sun. After drying, the seeds are sown in seedbeds or in pots containing loamy soil. The seeds should be carefully sown at a depth of 3-4 mm and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds will germinate in about 10-15 days.
Cuttings
Propagation of Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni can also be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the mature stems during the active growing season. The cuttings should be about 5-6 cm long and should contain at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower node should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted. The cuttings should be planted in pots containing a mixture of loamy soil and sand. The pots should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until the cuttings root, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Division
Propagation of Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus (Kralik) H.Hosni can also be done through division. The plant is divided during the active growing season to ensure that the divisions establish quickly. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be separated using a sharp knife. Each division should have a healthy root system and should be planted in a suitable pot in a mixture of loamy soil and sand. The plants should be watered regularly, and a liquid fertilizer should be added to ensure they establish quickly.
Disease and Pest Management for Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus is a hardy plant that can survive in a wide range of environmental conditions. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears on the plant as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant. Remove any infected plant parts and destroy them. Fungicides may also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus is root rot. This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus and can result in the wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid over-watering the plants and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with fungicides.
Pests
Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus can also be affected by pests such as aphids and spider mites. These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause wilting and stunting of growth. To manage these pests, regular inspection of the plants is necessary to detect any infestations early. Insecticidal soaps or oils can be used to control aphids, while spider mites can be managed using miticides.
Another pest that can affect this plant is the cutworm. These pests cut through the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, remove any debris or weeds from the immediate vicinity of the plant. Cutworms can also be controlled using insecticides.
Overall, proper management of diseases and pests is essential for the healthy growth and yield of Tribulus bimucronatus Viv. var. bispinulosus. By implementing the above measures, plant enthusiasts can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this beautiful plant.
